Jaxson Hayes Nearing Slovenian National Team Eligibility, Eyes FIBA Stage with Luka Doncic
It looks like Jaxson Hayes is about to get a new passport - and potentially a new basketball identity. The Lakers center is reportedly in the final stages of securing Slovenian citizenship, a move that would make him eligible to suit up for the Slovenian men’s national team under FIBA rules. And if all goes according to plan, he could be sharing the court with none other than his Lakers teammate, Luka Doncic, in international play.
Hayes first confirmed his pursuit of a Slovenian passport back in October, citing his frustration with the USA Basketball selection process. Born in Oklahoma, the 7-footer didn’t hold back when explaining why he’s looking beyond Team USA.
“USA doesn't do open tryouts,” Hayes said. “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.”
It’s a candid take from a player who clearly feels overlooked by the system, and it’s not hard to understand the motivation. FIBA rules allow each national team to include one naturalized player, and Hayes - with his size, athleticism, and growing chemistry with Doncic - could be a valuable addition for Slovenia as they gear up for international competition.
Interestingly, the idea of Hayes joining the Slovenian squad wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. He shares an agent - Bill Duffy of WME Sports - with Doncic, and according to Hayes, the concept was floated even before Doncic landed in L.A. via trade. That connection could be key, both in terms of paperwork and on-court synergy.
If the final steps of the naturalization process go through, Hayes would be eligible to play for Slovenia in their upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifying games this summer. That would be a major step for both Hayes and the Slovenian team, which has been building around Doncic’s brilliance on the international stage.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick is fully behind Hayes’ decision. Speaking during practice in El Segundo back in October, Redick reflected on his own time with USA Basketball and emphasized the value of international experience.
“I looked at my USA Basketball experiences and I had a bunch of them ... they were all invaluable to me because you're learning around great players,” Redick said. “And then, you're also learning a different way to play, in some ways.
The international game is very different. And I think for him, if it ends up happening, getting that connection and chemistry with Luka would be awesome.”
Redick’s not wrong - the international game is a different beast. From the physicality to the spacing to the way the ball moves, it’s a style that often rewards high-IQ, team-oriented play. For Hayes, it could be a proving ground, a chance to show what he can do outside the NBA spotlight and under a different set of rules.
Now in his third season with the Lakers, Hayes is averaging 6.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. He’s been remarkably efficient, shooting 77.3% from the field and a perfect 100% from deep - albeit on limited attempts. While those aren’t eye-popping numbers, they reflect a player who knows his role and is making the most of his minutes.
Adding international reps to his résumé could be the next step in his development. And if it means building more on-court chemistry with Doncic ahead of the NBA season? That’s a bonus the Lakers would gladly take.
For Hayes, this move isn’t just about finding a new team - it’s about finding a stage. And if everything falls into place, he’ll be stepping onto that stage this summer wearing Slovenian colors.