Lakers center Jaxson Hayes is in the final stages of completing paperwork that would allow him to represent Slovenia and join Luka Doncic in FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, sources tell BasketNews.
The Los Angeles Lakers center, Jaxson Hayes, is in the final stages of completing paperwork to obtain Slovenian citizenship and represent Slovenia alongside Luka Doncic, sources tell BasketNews.
Hayes, 25, born in Norman, Oklahoma, first confirmed in October that he was pursuing Slovenian citizenship.
According to BasketNews sources, the process is nearing completion, with Hayes finalizing the remaining paperwork to obtain a Slovenian passport.
If completed on time, Hayes would be eligible to play for Slovenia in the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualification windows in July and August.
Hayes' Role With Lakers
Hayes is averaging 6.4 points and 3.9 rebounds in 18 minutes per game this season with the Lakers.
He met Doncic in Los Angeles during the 2024-25 season, after Doncic was traded from the Dallas Mavericks.
The former No. 8 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft is in his seventh NBA season and has appeared in 405 NBA games, including 91 starts.
Hayes has career averages of 6.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 17 minutes per game, with previous NBA experience also coming with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Hayes is also set to participate in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest during the upcoming NBA All-Star Weekend.
Slovenia Eyes Long-Term Center Option
When Hayes' intentions first became public in October, the Slovenian Basketball Federation stated it was aiming to secure a long-term solution at center to provide stability for the national team in future competitions.
Hayes, who is one year younger than Doncic, is viewed as a potential fit for that plan.
World Cup Qualifier Picture for Slovenia
Slovenia has opened its FIBA World Cup qualification campaign in a group with the Czech Republic, Estonia, and Sweden.
Doncic was not available for the opening window because the qualifiers are played during the NBA season, as Slovenia beat Sweden but lost to Estonia.
He also won't play in the next window in late February, which again falls during the ongoing NBA season, when Slovenia will host the Czech Republic and then face them away.
In the summer, Slovenia will play Estonia away and Sweden at home.
The top three teams from the group will advance to the next qualification stage, joining a group that includes France, Finland, Hungary, and Belgium.
The top three teams from the second stage will qualify for the FIBA World Cup.
If Hayes completes the citizenship process, both Hayes and Doncic would be eligible to represent the national team in qualification windows scheduled for June 29–July 7 and August 24–September 1.
Jaxson Hayes highlights
Hayes Explains Slovenian Path
In October, Hayes explained how the idea originated through his and Doncic's shared agent, Bill Duffy of WME Sports, who also helped guide Randolph's naturalization process:
"We have the same agent. My parents and his [Luka's] parents are kind of all working on that right now," Hayes said, via ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
"USA doesn't do open tryouts," Hayes continued. "And I feel like there are guys they invite to the USA [training camp] that shouldn't be there. So, I wanted to just play on that stage. I'm going to do whatever it takes to play on that stage.
"Obviously, I would love to go represent my own country, but we don't do open tryouts," Hayes added. "It is what it is."
JJ Redick on Hayes-Doncic International Pairing
Lakers head coach JJ Redick also addressed the potential pairing of Hayes and Doncic on the international stage:
"The international game is very different," Redick said. "And I think for him, if it ends up happening, getting that connection and chemistry with Luka would be awesome."
Slovenia's History With Naturalized Players
If Hayes completes the process, he would become the latest naturalized player to represent Slovenia, a path the national team has regularly taken over the past decade.
Anthony Randolph was part of Slovenia's historic EuroBasket 2017 gold-medal team, while Mike Tobey served as the team's starting center at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, EuroBasket 2022, and the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Alen Omic also appeared at EuroBasket, while Josh Nebo was initially expected to join the program but did not participate in the competition after playing in the 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
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Donatas Urbonas
Donatas Urbonas is an award-winning Lithuanian basketball journalist, recognized as the best sports journalist in Lithuania in 2016 and the top basketball journalist in 2018. A Vilnius University journalism graduate, Urbonas has reported on major global sports events, including the Rio 2016 and Paris 2024 Olympics, FIBA World Cups, EuroBaskets, NBA Summer League, and NBA Draft.
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