Luka Doncic Moves to Dismiss California Custody Petition Amid Historic 40.9 PPG Scoring Run

Luka Doncic filed for dismissal of a Los Angeles child support petition on February 21, citing residency issues while averaging 40.9 points per game.

Luka Doncic submitted legal documentation to the Superior Court of Los Angeles on Friday, February 21, requesting the immediate dismissal of a petition concerning child support and legal fees. The 27-year-old Los Angeles Lakers guard currently leads the NBA in scoring efficiency, averaging 40.9 points per game throughout an active eight-game winning streak. This offensive surge places the Slovenian international in an elite statistical tier, making him just the fifth player in league history to maintain a 40-point average over an eight-game stretch, a feat previously achieved only by Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, Michael Jordan, and James Harden.

The California legal action follows a petition filed earlier this month by Anamaria Goltes, Doncic’s former fiancée. According to reporting by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the filing seeks financial support and the coverage of attorney fees for the couple’s two daughters: two-year-old Gabriela and four-month-old Olivia. While the legal paperwork was processed in Los Angeles, Goltes and both children are currently living in Slovenia, which serves as the primary basis for the jurisdictional challenge presented by the Lakers star.

Doncic maintains his primary legal residency in Texas, a status held since his tenure with the Dallas Mavericks prior to his trade to Los Angeles in February 2023. The motion for dismissal emphasizes that Gabriela spent only a three-month period in California during the spring of 2024, while Olivia has never set foot in the state. These specific residency timelines are critical to the defense's argument that the Los Angeles court system lacks the proper authority to adjudicate the matter.

Before the California petition emerged, the five-time All-NBA First Team selection initiated his own legal proceedings in Europe. In January, Doncic filed for an interim injunction within the Slovenian judicial system. That specific European filing addresses the establishment of joint custody arrangements and child support obligations, while also requesting a court-ordered schedule for immediate contact with his daughters. This dual-continent legal battle highlights the complexity of international family law involving high-profile professional athletes.

On the hardwood, the Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for a Saturday night contest against the Orlando Magic with the goal of extending their winning streak to nine games. During this eight-game run, Doncic has not only averaged 40.9 points but has also served as the primary facilitator for an offense that has climbed to the top of the Western Conference standings. His transition from the Mavericks to the Lakers exactly one year ago remains the most significant roster move in recent franchise history, yet his legal team insists his permanent home remains in the Lone Star State.

Attorney Evan C. Itzkowitz is representing Anamaria Goltes in the Los Angeles proceedings. As of the Friday filing, Itzkowitz has not issued a formal response to the request for dismissal. The documents filed by the Lakers guard aim to consolidate the legal dispute within the Slovenian courts, where the initial custody framework was proposed. This strategy seeks to invalidate the California petition by proving that the children’s habitual residence is not within the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles Superior Court.

The statistical weight of Doncic’s recent performances adds a unique backdrop to the courtroom developments. Scoring 327 total points over his last eight appearances, he has carried a heavy usage rate while navigating these private matters. The Lakers' front office has not commented on the personal filings, focusing instead on the team's pursuit of the top seed in the playoffs. The intersection of Texas residency laws, California filing requirements, and Slovenian family statutes creates a multi-layered conflict for the 2019 Rookie of the Year.

As the Lakers travel to Orlando, the focus remains on the 40.9-point threshold that has defined the team's February success. Should the Los Angeles court grant the dismissal, the legal focus will shift entirely to the pending injunction in Slovenia. This would effectively end the California chapter of the dispute, which currently involves claims for significant attorney compensation. The outcome of the Saturday game against the Magic will determine if the Lakers can maintain their momentum while their leading scorer manages these complex international filings.

Doncic’s legal representatives argue that the presence of a professional contract in Los Angeles does not equate to a change in permanent domicile. By highlighting the minimal time his children have spent in California, the defense aims to prove that the state is an inconvenient forum for the litigation. The upcoming court dates will determine whether the petition for support moves forward in the United States or remains a matter for the European authorities already overseeing the initial custody request.