Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes has officially become a Slovenian citizen, completing the process at the Republic of Slovenia’s embassy in Washington, D.C., on June 16, 2026. The Basketball Federation of Slovenia announced the move on social media, confirming that the 26-year-old, 7-foot center now holds a Slovenian passport.
Despite obtaining eligibility, Hayes will not join the national squad for this summer’s FIBA World Cup qualifying window. The federation stated he is expected to play a “long-term” role, beginning with international tournaments starting next year.
The decision aligns with teammate Luka Doncic, who also plans to skip this summer’s qualifiers to spend time with family. Hayes and Doncic developed strong on-court chemistry after the superstar guard arrived in Los Angeles via trade in 2024, with Hayes serving as an athletic rim-runner alongside him.
Future International Plans
Hayes is projected to debut for Slovenia in next year’s FIBA World Cup, followed by EuroBasket and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Slovenia has leaned heavily on Doncic in recent competitions, and adding a mobile interior presence is expected to deepen the roster.
Lakers Free-Agency Outlook
Beyond international play, Hayes expressed interest in re-signing with the Lakers after the team’s playoff exit. “I love this group of guys, I love this staff, I love this organization as a whole,” the unrestricted free agent said. Hayes is coming off what he described as his best NBA season and could return as the club’s backup center for a fourth year.
Source: LakersNation.com
