Mon Dec 08 02:40:00 UTC 2025: Summary:
Luka Doncic will miss at least one game for the Los Angeles Lakers due to personal reasons, specifically the birth of his second child in his home country of Slovenia. He’ll miss the game against the Toronto Raptors and his status is uncertain for the games against the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers. Marcus Smart is also out for the Lakers.
News Article:
Doncic Out for Lakers as He Awaits Birth of Second Child
Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Lakers will be without star guard Luka Doncic for at least Thursday’s game against the Toronto Raptors, as he has returned to Slovenia for the birth of his second child. The team officially cited “personal reasons” for his absence as they embark on a three-game road trip.
Doncic, 26, and his fiancée Anamaria Goltes are expecting their second child shortly after the second birthday of their first. While based in North America during the NBA season, Doncic frequently spends time away from Goltes, his longtime partner since two years before he joined the NBA in 2018.
His absence creates uncertainty for Friday’s game against the Boston Celtics and Sunday’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. It’s unclear when Doncic will return to the Lakers, who currently sit second in the Western Conference with a 15-5 record, and are coached by JJ Redick. The team has performed well in Doncic’s previous absences this season.
The Lakers will also be without Marcus Smart (lower back injury management) for the Toronto game. The Raptors will be missing Jakob Poeltl (lower back injury management) and RJ Barrett (right knee sprain).
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