Behind every great athlete, there’s often an unsung hero whose sacrifices and support made the journey possible. For Luka Dončić, one of the NBA’s brightest stars and a standout performer now associated with the Los Angeles Lakers, that figure has been his mother, Mirjam Poterbin. Their relationship has had its fair share of ups and downs—from heartwarming memories to complex legal disputes—but through it all, the bond between mother and son has remained significant, evolving with time.
A Childhood Rooted in Basketball
Luka Dončić was born on February 28, 1999, in Ljubljana, Slovenia, to Saša Dončić and Mirjam Poterbin. His father, a former professional basketball player and coach, introduced Luka to the sport early on. However, it was Mirjam, a former dancer and beauty salon owner, who became his primary guardian after the couple separated when Luka was just nine years old.
From an early age, it was clear that Luka was no ordinary child. He developed an intense passion for basketball before he could even form full sentences. In a touching interview with EuroLeague Basketball’s Table Talk, Mirjam recalled, “Since day one, when Luka started to walk, he was crazy about basketball. Even when he had birthdays, for the present he always said, ‘I want to have basketball or sneakers.’”
That deep love for the game soon turned into talent. At the age of 13, Luka received an offer to join Real Madrid’s youth team—a move that would require him to leave Slovenia and relocate to Spain. For a single mother, the thought of sending her only child to another country was understandably overwhelming.
“I was a little scared in the beginning,” Mirjam shared. “At first, I said, ‘Maybe Luka, you can think about it,’ but he looked me in the eyes and said, ‘Mum, I want to try.’ So that was the moment I knew I had to let him go.”
Letting him go wasn’t easy, but Mirjam knew that supporting Luka’s dream was part of being a good mother. Her emotional decision marked the beginning of Luka’s journey toward becoming a global basketball sensation.
From Guardian to Manager
As Luka’s career blossomed, so did the responsibilities surrounding his life. By the time he was a teenager, Luka needed a manager to help handle his endorsements, contracts, and branding. Naturally, he turned to the person he trusted most—his mother. At 19, Dončić even gave Mirjam written consent in November 2018 to register the trademark “LUKA DONCIC 7,” effectively giving her control over the use of his name in commercial contexts.
The trademark was officially registered in January 2020, which gave Mirjam ownership of her son’s personal brand. At the time, it seemed like a practical and trusting decision—after all, Mirjam had always acted in Luka’s best interests. But as Luka’s professional life grew more complex, so did his need to regain autonomy over his name and brand.
A Public Legal Dispute
In 2022, news broke that Luka and Mirjam were in a legal conflict regarding the rights to his name. Luka attempted to cancel the trademark, citing the need to regain control for managing endorsements, brand partnerships, and his charitable initiatives. Unfortunately for Luka, his petition failed. Despite repeated attempts to resolve the issue, Mirjam reportedly denied Luka’s requests to relinquish the trademark.
While the details of the legal battle were largely kept under wraps, it’s known that both parties settled the matter quietly out of court. Lawyers on both sides have remained silent about the terms, respecting the family’s privacy.
For fans and onlookers, the dispute served as a sobering reminder that even the most loving relationships can be tested when personal and professional interests collide. The situation was especially poignant because it involved not just a famous athlete and his business affairs, but a mother and son whose relationship had once appeared inseparable.
Signs of Reconciliation
Despite the tension and legal drama that unfolded, there are now signs that Luka and Mirjam have reconciled—at least on a personal level. In a recent game, fans noticed Mirjam cheering Luka on from the stands, a heartwarming image that quickly went viral on social media. It seemed to confirm that their familial bond had endured, even through adversity.
Fans were moved by the moment, with one user commenting in Slovenian, “What an emotional game, what a great man Luka is—time and again, superchamp by super mommy.” Another simply wrote, “The most beautiful.”
The sight of Mirjam proudly supporting her son was more than just a tender gesture—it was a signal that family, despite its imperfections, can still come together. Luka has always been known not just for his on-court brilliance but also for his grounded personality and love for his roots. Seeing his mother cheer him on after a tumultuous chapter reminded fans that behind the fame and fortune, he remains a young man whose journey began with a mother’s love and sacrifice.
A Relationship Still Evolving
While the public may never know the full extent of Luka and Mirjam’s legal or personal discussions, their story is a compelling testament to the complexity of family dynamics, especially in the spotlight. What began as a tale of unwavering maternal support grew into one filled with business decisions, emotional tension, and eventual signs of reconciliation.
As Luka continues to climb the ranks of NBA greatness, it’s likely that his relationship with his mother will continue to evolve. They may not agree on every detail, but the foundation of love and respect that brought Luka to this point seems to still be intact.
In the end, theirs is a story of a mother and son who have navigated fame, fortune, and family with all the challenges those bring—yet still find a way to show up for one another when it matters most.