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Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after he is fouled on his layup during a 119-109 Warriors win.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Dončić ended days of speculation surrounding his excused absence from the team with a heartwarming update that captured headlines well beyond the basketball world.
The 26-year-old MVP frontrunner announced on Instagram Saturday the birth of his second child, posting a photo alongside the caption, “Olivia💕!” — confirming earlier reports that he was away to be with fiancée Anamaria Goltes as they welcomed their newest family member.
The news comes just days after Dončić publicly celebrated the birthday of their first daughter with an emotional tribute:
“Happy birthday my little princess! You bring the most joy to my life! I love you, I miss you so much and I can’t wait to see you soon 💕💕❤️❤️”
Luka Dončić Baby Announcement Captivates NBA Fans
Dončić has been nothing short of dominant through the first month of the season, averaging 35.3 points, 8.9 rebounds and 8.9 assists in 16 games — placing him firmly in the thick of the NBA MVP race, the scoring title conversation, and carrying the Lakers to one of the Western Conference’s best starts.
Los Angeles is 4-2 without Dončić, a testament to the team’s depth but also a reminder of his irreplaceable impact during a historic statistical campaign.
Head coach JJ Redick addressed Dončić’s absence ahead of the Lakers’ matchup against Toronto on Thursday.
“Obviously, he’s away from the team for personal reasons,” Redick said. “Don’t have a pinpointed day.”
The Lakers won that game behind Rui Hachimura‘s game-winning three-pointer off LeBron James‘ assist.
The Lakers conclude their three-game road trip Sunday in Philadelphia, but Dončić’s availability remains unclear.
Austin Reaves Explodes in Luka’s Absence, Ignites Lakers’ Offense
With Dončić out, Austin Reaves has delivered one of the most surprising surges of the NBA season.
The undrafted 27-year-old guard has averaged 40.0 points, 9.6 assists and 4.8 rebounds in five games without Dončić — including 44 points in Toronto and 36 in Boston — catapulting him to fifth in league scoring at 29.3 points per game.
His bond with Dončić extends beyond the basketball court.
“I told him last summer I was coming and he didn’t tell me no, but he didn’t tell me yes,” Reaves joked. “My door (in Arkansas) is always wide open for him and his family anytime they want to come.”
The emerging chemistry between the All-NBA superstar and the breakout guard has become one of the league’s most intriguing storylines.
Lakers Navigate Tough Stretch Without Dončić and LeBron James
Saturday’s 126–105 loss to the Celtics was a mixed bag for Los Angeles, playing without both Dončić and James (load management).
Boston never trailed and built a 29-point second-quarter advantage, though the Lakers cut the deficit to 15 entering the fourth before the Celtics pulled away.
Redick praised the effort:
“There were a lot of moments where we could’ve broken and we didn’t… That’s a credit to our guys.”
The Lakers now sit third in the Western Conference at 16-6, behind the surging Oklahoma City Thunder (22-1) and Houston Rockets (15-5).
What Luka’s Return Means for Lakers’ Championship Hopes
With Dončić playing the best basketball of his career, James managing minutes wisely, and Reaves emerging as a legitimate second scoring option, the Lakers have the pieces to remain serious contenders once the roster regroups.
For now, Los Angeles — and the NBA world — celebrate a different kind of milestone for its brightest star.
A historic season can wait.
Family came first — and this week, the Dončić family got a little larger.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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