LOS ANGELES — Lakers center Jaxson Hayes confirmed Monday that he has obtained a Slovenian passport, a move that permits him to play alongside teammate Luka Doncic for Slovenia’s national team in upcoming international competitions.
Hayes announced the development after practice on April 21, 2026, ending a months-long effort to complete the naturalization process. The 26-year-old big man had been working with his representatives and both families to secure the paperwork so he could join Slovenia this summer.
Why Slovenia
Earlier in the season, Hayes explained his motivation. Under FIBA rules, each national program may add one naturalized player, and Slovenia offered him the best path to the global stage. “USA doesn’t do open tryouts, and I feel there are guys invited who shouldn’t be there,” Hayes said at the time. “I just want to play on that stage, and I’ll do whatever it takes.”
Immediate Eligibility
With citizenship finalized, Hayes is eligible for tournaments such as the Olympics, the FIBA World Cup and EuroBasket. Doncic has long prioritized representing Slovenia, and bringing in a 7-footer who already excels in pick-and-roll sets with him figures to bolster the country’s frontcourt depth.
Growth With Lakers
Hayes is enjoying a career season in Los Angeles, averaging 7.5 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 75.6 percent from the field. Doncic recently credited Hayes’ improvement in reading pick-and-roll situations and finishing at the rim, in addition to his shot-blocking presence.
The pair’s on-court chemistry has been evident throughout the 2025-26 NBA campaign, and they will now look to translate that success to the international arena when Slovenia assembles for summer competition.
Source: Lakers Nation
