Los Angeles Lakers basketball superstar Luka Doncic was spotted partying at an exclusive nightclub in Slovenia alongside teammates and former Playboy model Anja Jenko.
The outing occurred during a four-day NBA offseason excursion across Slovenia for the Lakers roster, who spent the weekend sightseeing in Doncic's hometown of Ljubljana.
According to Slovenian news outlet Nedeljski dnevnik, the team visited a swanky Ljubljana restaurant that transitions into a nightclub on Friday evening. The venue enforced strict privacy rules for the event, requiring attendees to cover their mobile phone cameras with stickers and banning all photos and videos inside.
Jenko, a 34-year-old Ljubljana native and influencer who shot to fame on the cover of Playboy Magazine in 2014, partied at the same venue as the NBA stars. While the model spent her Friday night at the establishment, the report noted that the Lakers players mostly hung out with each other throughout the evening.
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most successful franchises in North American professional basketball, competing in the National Basketball Association. Doncic, who grew up in Ljubljana before launching his international career, hosted his teammates in his home country for team bonding prior to the upcoming season.
Sightseeing and Fan Meetings in Slovenia
During their four-day stay, Lakers players visited the basketball court where Doncic first played as a child. Team members were pictured meeting with local fans and signing autographs before taking a boat trip and playing golf in the resort city of Bled.
On their way back to the United States, Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt spoke with local reporters at the airport. Vanderbilt admitted he knew little about Slovenia prior to the visit, but praised the experience and joked about seeking citizenship.
"The trip was great," Vanderbilt said. "Not gonna lie, didn't know much about [Slovenia] before I came here, but it's definitely a spot I will revisit."
"I'm looking to get Slovenian passport. We'll see. Might be part Slovenian," Vanderbilt added.
Child Support Petition and Financial Claims
Doncic's homeland excursion comes while the superstar faces a messy split from his longtime partner, Anamaria Goltes. A child support petition filed against Doncic in Los Angeles County was dismissed last week following a testy exchange between his attorney and the legal representative for Goltes.
The Los Angeles County judge ultimately dismissed the court filing without prejudice, leaving Goltes free to refile claims in the future. Goltes currently remains in Slovenia with the former couple's two daughters.
According to a report by TMZ, Goltes is seeking $50 million from Doncic in their native Slovenia. The financial demand includes $40 million for herself and $10 million for their two daughters.
Doncic made what he described as a tough decision to end his engagement with Goltes in March, months after the birth of their second daughter, Olivia. The two native Slovenians had been together since 2016.
Addressing the separation in a statement provided to ESPN, Doncic explained his choice to end the relationship.
"I love my daughters more than anything and I've been doing everything I can for them to be with me in the US during the season, but that hasn't been possible, so I recently made the tough decision to end my engagement," Doncic said. "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."
Lakers Roster Core and Ownership Sale
Doncic signed a three-year, $165 million contract with the Lakers a year ago following a shock trade from the Dallas Mavericks. He has become central to the team rebuild after long-time superstar LeBron James left Los Angeles to join the Philadelphia 76ers.
The franchise is also set to transition to new ownership after Mark Walter agreed to sell the Lakers to Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger. Reacting to the ownership news on social media, Doncic reaffirmed his commitment to the team.
"Being a Laker means everything to me, and I’m excited to get back on the court and bring a championship to LA. I’ve gotten used to big changes over these last few years, but I know that no matter what, there is no limit to the potential of this iconic franchise," Doncic wrote.
"I look forward to meeting Josh and Bob so we can get to work building something special in LA together," he added.
