Jaxson Hayes is expected to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers beyond the 2025-26 season as he finalizes Slovenian citizenship, strengthening his ties with teammate Luka Doncic.
Los Angeles Lakers backup center Jaxson Hayes is expected to remain with the franchise beyond the 2025-26 season, as he moves closer to obtaining Slovenian citizenship.
"Jaxson Hayes completed the paperwork to become a Slovenian," ESPN insider Brian Windhorst said on The Hoops Collective podcast. "He can join the Slovenian national team for Luka, which I'd like to say is one of the smartest things Jaxson Hayes has ever done because I think he's just secretly signed a contract extension."
Windhorst clarified that no official extension has been signed. However, the groundwork appears to be in place for Hayes to continue playing alongside Luka Doncic both at the club level and in FIBA international competitions.
BasketNews' Donatas Urbonas was the first to report that Hayes is in the final stages of securing Slovenian citizenship, which would allow him to represent Slovenia internationally.
Credit Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix
Hayes, 25, was born in Norman, Oklahoma, and first confirmed in October that he was pursuing Slovenian citizenship.
He is currently playing on a one-year, $3.4 million contract – a deal that does not guarantee long-term security on paper.
This season, Hayes is averaging 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds across 45 appearances.
The former No. 8 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft is now in his seventh NBA season, having played in 412 career games, including 94 starts.
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