Luka Doncic becomes emotional after dropping 51 amid custody battle, says basketball gives him “some kind of peace”

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic said basketball has helped him deal with a difficult period in his personal life. The Slovenian guard is currently involved in a custody dispute with his former fiancée Anamaria Goltes over their two daughters.The situation has developed while Doncic continues to perform at a high level for the Los Angeles Lakers. On March 12, 2026, he scored 51 points against the Chicago Bulls. After the game, he said playing basketball brings him peace during the ongoing legal dispute.

Luka Doncic confirms separation and custody dispute

Luka Doncic confirmed in March 2026 that he and Goltes had separated. The two are now involved in a custody case concerning their daughters Gabriela, born in November 2023, and Olivia, born in December 2025.

The conflict grew after attempts to bring the children to the United States during the NBA season did not work out. Around March 10, Goltes filed a petition in California seeking child support and attorney fees. Reports said the filing surprised Doncic.

Before that, Doncic had already taken legal action in Slovenia. On February 26, he filed for an injunction seeking immediate access to his daughters. Reports state that he has seen them only twice since September 2025, for a total of two days.

The case is now unfolding in both California and Slovenia.

Luka Doncic and Anamaria Goltes were together for about a decade

Luka Doncic and Anamaria Goltes met as teenagers in Slovenia. Their relationship continued as Doncic played in Europe for Real Madrid and later moved to the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks.They got engaged in July 2023 and welcomed their first daughter later that year. Their second daughter was born in Slovenia in December 2025.Tension reportedly increased around the time of Olivia’s birth.

Doncic wanted to take Gabriela to the United States for the NBA season. Police were called during the situation, but no charges were filed and Doncic left peacefully.Goltes later removed photos of the couple from her Instagram account, which led to speculation about their breakup.

Luka Doncic continues strong play with the Lakers

Doncic said after his 51-point game that basketball gives him “some kind of peace when I play a game.”He continues to lead the NBA in scoring with 32.9 points per game and ranks third in assists at 8.5 per game.

His performances have helped the Lakers reach a 41–25 record, which places them fourth in the Western Conference.His recent games include 46 points against Chicago on January 26 and 38 points against Dallas on January 24.

Doncic says his daughters remain his priority

Luka Doncic has said that his daughters remain the most important part of his life. He stated that everything he does is for their happiness.The legal case between Doncic and Goltes is ongoing in courts in Slovenia and California. While the situation continues, the Lakers guard remains focused on playing during the NBA season.