Lakers’ Luka Dončić Will Not Play For Slovenia This Summer in FIBA World Cup Qualifying
He’s been dealing with injury as well as an off the court personal matter. For these reasons and more, Los Angeles’ superstar decided to announce a career decision. Lakers’ Luka Dončić announced tonight via Instagram that he will not play for Slovenia’s national team this summer in FIBA World Cup qualifying.
Luka Dončić missed the entire 2026 postseason after suffering a Grade 2 left hamstring strain on April 2, 2026. The injury, which occurred during the final days of the regular season, kept him sidelined for over five weeks, and he was not cleared for full contact before the Lakers were eliminated Monday night by the Oklahoma City Thunder, 115-110.
Nonetheless, back in mid-March Luka confirmed to the press that he had separated from his fiancée, Anamaria Goltes. And is currently in a custody battle over their two daughters. Goltes filed a petition for child support and attorney fees in California, and Doncic has pushed back. Unfortunately, this stressful saga continues for both sides.
Lakers’ Luka Dončić Will Not Play For Slovenia This Summer in FIBA World Cup Qualifying
Nevertheless, after the Lakers’ Game 4 elimination, Luka posted to social media platform, Instagram to reveal some of his offseason plans. Dončić announced that he will not play for Slovenia’s national team this summer in FIBA World Cup qualifying in order to spend as much offseason time as possible with his two daughters as he continues to try to secure joint custody. He mentions,
“I love my daughters more than anything, and they will always come first in my life. As I continue working toward joint custody of my daughters, I have been forced to make a difficult decision between traveling and playing for the Slovenian national team and being with my daughters this summer. Unfortunately, it has been made extremely difficult for me to see them over the past eight months.
I have given everything to representing Slovenia and l am disappointed that I will not be able to play for my country this summer. But right now, my daughters and my responsibilities as a father are my priority.”
Dončić also took a moment to discuss his injury and the postseason. Luka said, “It’s very frustrating. Some people wanted me back. But obviously, I wasn’t even close to clearing. There was some stuff in the media that went out that wasn’t true … If I could be out there, I would be, 100%.” Would have been thrilling to see Luka in the playoffs, but it was not meant to be this year. Heal up fast Luka and see you next season.
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