Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić is pushing back legally in an ongoing custody dispute with ex-fiancée Anamaria Goltes, asking a California court to dismiss her recent filing for child support and attorney’s fees.
According to a report by TMZ Sports, Dončić filed documents Friday in Los Angeles County arguing that the case should not proceed in California because neither he nor his children reside in the state.
In the filing, Dončić and his attorney, Laura Wasser, contend that their two daughters — Gabriela, 2, and Olivia, 4 months — live in Slovenia with Goltes, making California an improper venue for the case.
Dončić also states he is not a California resident and had already initiated legal proceedings in Slovenia earlier this year that address both custody and child support.
Lakers Star Alleges ‘Forum Shopping’ in Filing
In the court documents, Dončić alleges that Goltes’ decision to file in California is a strategic attempt to seek more favorable financial terms.
He described the filing as a “clear attempt to forum shop and avail herself of the generous amounts of child support for which California is well-known,” according to TMZ Sports.
Dončić further claims he has been attempting for months to have Goltes relocate to the United States with their children during the NBA season, but says she declined and returned to Slovenia last May.
The distance between the two sides ultimately contributed to the end of their engagement, Dončić previously confirmed.
The Lakers star is now asking the court to dismiss the California filing entirely, calling it “procedurally defective and legally improper.”
Dončić Says He Covers All Expenses for Daughters
Dončić maintains that he has already been providing full financial support for both children.
Sources cited by ESPN indicated that the five-time All-Star has been covering his daughters’ expenses “without limitation,” a claim consistent with his court filing.
The 27-year-old guard is currently playing under a three-year, $165 million contract, giving him the financial capacity to support his family while pursuing his NBA career.
In a prior statement to ESPN, Dončić emphasized his commitment as a father.
“Everything I do is for my daughters’ happiness and I will always fight to be with them and give them the best life I can,” he said.
Personal Turmoil Unfolds Amid MVP-Caliber Play
While the legal situation continues to develop off the court, Dončić has continued to deliver elite performances for the Los Angeles Lakers.
The All-Star guard recently said basketball has provided a sense of stability during a difficult personal period.
“That’s life, I don’t know what to say,” Dončić said in Slovenian last week. “But that’s my job, so I have to be here… basketball is giving me some kind of peace when I play a game.”
If the situation has affected his performance, it has not been reflected in the statistics.
Over his last five games, Dončić has averaged 43.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 7.8 assists, including a historic 60-point outing in a 134-126 win over the Miami Heat.
He finished that game with 18-of-30 shooting, nine 3-pointers and five steals — one of the rarest stat lines in NBA history.
Relationship Timeline Adds Context to Dispute
Dončić and Goltes had been together since 2016, after growing up in Slovenia, and their relationship spanned his rise from European basketball to NBA superstardom.
He proposed in July 2023, shortly before the birth of their first daughter later that year. Their second child was born in December 2025 in Slovenia.
Tensions reportedly escalated earlier this season when Dončić traveled overseas for the birth of Olivia, missing games against the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics.
According to ESPN, a disagreement occurred during that visit regarding travel plans for their older daughter, though local authorities found no wrongdoing and Dončić left without incident.
Legal Process Continues as Lakers Star’ Focus Remains on Court
The custody dispute first became public after Goltes filed her petition in California earlier this month, prompting Dončić to respond with his own legal action.
Sources told ESPN that Dončić learned of the filing through media reports, adding another layer of tension to the situation.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Dončić has remained focused on basketball, helping lead the Lakers’ recent surge in the Western Conference standings.
For Dončić, the court proceedings may still be unfolding, but on the hardwood, his performance has remained steady.
As he navigates both fatherhood and professional expectations, the Lakers star continues to balance a deeply personal chapter with one of the most dominant stretches of his career.
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