Luka Doncic has always managed to steal the spotlight with his dazzling performances on the court. His recent triple-double against the Golden State Warriors saw him rack up 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, leading the Lakers to a crucial victory. But who motivates the NBA 5x All-Star?

“Everything I do now, I do for Gabriela,” Luka revealed. The Lakers star welcomed his daughter, Gabriela, with his longtime fiancée, Anamaria Goltes, on December 1, 2023. Doncic revealed in a social media video how he found out about Goltes’s pregnancy. The news came on April 1, making him think it was an April Fool’s prank. “At first, I thought she was joking,” Doncic said. “But when I realized it was true, that moment changed my life.” 

In a heartfelt interview addressing fatherhood, Luka admitted, “Nothing better than being a dad for real.”

The couple’s journey from childhood friends to becoming parents has been heartwarming. “Luka is an amazing father. He’s always there, even after the toughest games,” Anamaria shared in a recent interview. In another interview, Luka opened up about how fatherhood reshaped his perspective. “It’s a feeling you can’t describe. When you hold your child for the first time, everything else just fades away.”

The recent trade to the Los Angeles Lakers presented a significant upheaval in Luka’s life. While the move promised new opportunities, it also meant leaving behind familiar surroundings. The emotional toll was palpable, but Luka’s family emerged as his greatest source of strength.

Amid all the chaos, Goltes stood firmly by his side. She shared pictures of herself and Gabriela wearing Lakers gear during Doncic’s debut game, “New chapter 💛💜,” she captioned the Instagram post. Her unwavering support has been a constant through Doncic’s rise from Europe to the NBA. “Having them with me makes everything easier,” Luka admitted in a rare candid moment.

From Slovenia to the NBA, who are the pillars behind the Lakers Star’s journey?

Luka Doncic was born on February 28, 1999, in Ljubljana, Slovenia. His father, Sasa Doncic, was a professional basketball player and coach. Growing up, Luka watched his father closely and learned the intricacies of the game from him. In an interview with The Athletic, Luka shared how his father’s career inspired him. “Watching my dad play made me fall in love with basketball. He taught me everything I know.”

Luka’s mother, Mirjam Poterbin, is a former dancer and beauty salon owner. Poterbin became Doncic’s primary caregiver after she and Sasa divorced when Luka was nine. She worked tirelessly to support her son’s basketball dreams. Her unwavering belief in her son has been a guiding force throughout his journey. In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Poterbin wrote, “Luka’s success is a result of hard work and dedication. I couldn’t be prouder.”

Luka’s half-sister, Tijana Doncic, also shares a close relationship with the athlete. A silent supporter throughout Luka’s career, Tijana prefers to stay away from the spotlight. However, during Luka’s draft night, she was seen cheering him on from the sidelines, showing their strong bond despite the age gap. Apart from his basketball prowess, Luka is a multilingual star, fluent in Slovenian, Serbian and English. He also mastered Spanish during his early years at Real Madrid.

Off the court, he is also an avid gamer. In March 2023, he achieved the “Grandmaster” tier and later ranked among the top 500 players in the tank role in “Overwatch 2.” With his move to the Lakers, Luka is adjusting to the glitz and glam of LA. Despite the city’s distractions, his focus remains firmly on basketball and family. “It’s a new chapter, but I’m ready,” Luka said in a recent press conference.

As Luka settles into life in Los Angeles, all eyes are on his upcoming match against the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers are banking on his leadership to turn their season around. With the team’s playoff hopes hanging in the balance, Doncic’s performance will be crucial. Meanwhile, we can’t help but admire the man behind the jersey—a father, a fiancé, and a son whose story continues to inspire. In a world where athletes are often seen as larger-than-life figures, Luka Doncic’s story reminds us of the value of a strong foundational support.