The Los Angeles Lakers have plenty on their plate right now with the playoffs in full swing and Luka Doncic sidelined with a hamstring injury. But on Monday after practice, Jaxson Hayes had some good news to share that had nothing to do with the Houston Rockets series.
Hayes confirmed he has received his Slovenian passport, officially making him eligible to represent Slovenia on the international stage alongside his Lakers teammate. The process has been in the works since October, with Hayes, Doncic, and their shared agent Bill Duffy of WME Sports pursuing the naturalization together.
When asked about it after practice, Hayes could barely contain his excitement.
What Hayes Said About His Slovenian Passport
GettyJaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Hayes was grinning when he addressed reporters on Monday.
“We got my Slovenian passport,” Hayes said. “It really came through. Luka’s been calling me ‘my Slovenian brother.’ He says it all the time.”
There was only one problem. Hayes admitted that his Slovenian vocabulary leaves something to be desired.
“I don’t know a single word,” Hayes said, laughing. “Actually I know a few, but I can’t say them out loud.”
Everything Doncic has taught him in the language, it turns out, is not suitable for a press conference. The chemistry between the two is clearly there. The communication might need some work.
Why Hayes Pursued Slovenian Citizenship
GettyJaxson Hayes reacts after Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers draws a foul against the Miami Heat.
Hayes was direct about his motivation when the idea first came up in October. Making Team USA is an invite-only process, and the 25-year-old center felt that route was not realistic for him.
“USA doesn’t do open tryouts,” Hayes said in October. “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.”
Slovenia allows one naturalized player on its roster, and Hayes fits the bill as a 7-foot rim-runner with a developing chemistry alongside Doncic that has already been on display in the Lakers’ lineup this season. The ultimate goal for Hayes is the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, which would give him the opportunity to compete on an international stage in his home country.
Lakers coach JJ Redick expressed his support for the move when it first came up.
“The international game is very different,” Redick said. “If it ends up happening, getting that connection and chemistry with Luka would be awesome.”
What It Means for the Lakers Going Forward
The immediate focus for both Hayes and Doncic is the Lakers’ first-round series against the Rockets. Doncic has been ruled out for Game 2 on Tuesday as he continues his rehabilitation from the hamstring strain, having recently returned from specialized treatment in Spain. Hayes, meanwhile, has been part of a Lakers lineup that has held its own in his absence.
The Slovenian national team sits atop Group H in the FIBA World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers with a 3-1 record. Their next fixtures come in July, which would be Hayes’ first opportunity to suit up for his new country if selected.
Final Word for the Lakers
Doncic has been calling Hayes his Slovenian brother. The passport makes it official.
The international adventure can wait for now. Game 2 is Tuesday. The Lakers have a series to win first.
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