Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes has his sights set on more than just a strong NBA season — he’s hoping to join Luka Dončić on the Slovenian national team next summer.
Speaking after the Lakers’ preseason loss to the Dallas Mavericks in Las Vegas, Hayes revealed that he’s in the process of seeking Slovenian citizenship so he can play alongside his superstar teammate internationally.
“That’s my guy,” Hayes said via Iztok Franko of Diggin Basketball. “We’re working on getting me a Slovenian passport right now so I can play with him next summer.”
Support Local and Independent Sports Writing – Subscribe To the LAFB Network Today!
Building Chemistry On and Off the Court
Gotta have the Latest from LA + LUKA Mind-meld
Hayes, entering his seventh NBA season, was one of the few bright spots for the Lakers in the 121-94 preseason loss to Dallas. Starting in place of Deandre Ayton, he posted 12 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists on 5-for-8 shooting — his best performance of the preseason.
His on-court chemistry with Dončić has grown quickly since the Lakers acquired the Slovenian star in February. After the trade, Hayes averaged 8.1 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting a career-high 75.6 percent from the field, many of his baskets coming off Dončić’s pinpoint lob passes.
That synergy helped Hayes secure a new one-year, $3.4 million contract this offseason. Both players share the same agent, and their partnership could soon extend beyond the NBA.
Slovenia Confirms Naturalization Talks
The Slovenian Basketball Federation has acknowledged discussions about adding a naturalized center to its roster, though it has not confirmed Hayes by name.
“We are exploring the possibility of a new naturalized player in the center position,” a federation spokesperson told RTV Slo. “We aim to secure this player for a longer period to ensure the team’s stability. Once procedures are finalized, we will inform the public.”
A Long Road Ahead
The process may not be easy. Slovenia typically requires years of residency for citizenship, though exceptions can be made for athletes. Hayes, the 8th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, has played six seasons in the league and appeared in 367 regular-season games.
Whether or not he secures Slovenian citizenship, Hayes’ bond with Dončić has already transformed his career — and perhaps his future on the international stage.