The reason behind Luka Dončić’s sudden absence from the Los Angeles Lakers’ road trip has finally been revealed.

Luka Dončić praised LeBron James after his clutch fourth-quarter heroics lifted the Lakers over the Sixers in a thrilling win in Philadelphia.

On Saturday, Dončić and his fiancée, Anamaria Goltes, announced the birth of their daughter Olivia on Instagram. Dončić has not played since Dec. 1 against the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers have listed him as being out due to personal reasons in their last two games, both on the road against the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics.

Tonight, we got injury designations for both LeBron and Luka in Philly. After welcoming his second child, Luka Dončić will officially be back in the lineup for the Purple and Gold tonight. His presence, as usual, has been sorely missed in his absence.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as The Sweet Reason Why Luka Dončić Isn't Playing in Lakers–Raptors. Luka Dončić will be absent for the Lakers’ game vs. the Raptors on Thursday for personal reasons. Los Angeles fans, no need to worry—Dončić is not hurt or sick.

The Los Angeles Lakers reveal the status for Luka Dončić and LeBron James in a marquee matchup against the red-hot Philadelphia 76ers.

The Los Angeles Lakers faced the Boston Celtics without LeBron James, Luka Dončić and Marcus Smart on Friday. It didn't go well.