Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes has officially secured his Slovenian citizenship and can now play alongside Luka Doncic on the national team.
Hayes has formed a close bond with Doncic on the Lakers, one that is evident in their many alley-oop connections this season.
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After a months-long process, Hayes has finally acquired his passport and while he won’t be eligible for the upcoming qualifiers, he will look to play on the national team in the long-term.
“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.”
Slovenia only allows one naturalized player on the roster, and it looks like Hayes will fill that role as the starting center.
His elite athleticism and high-octane rim-running ability is exactly what the team needs and the on-court chemistry between Hayes and Doncic should only improve if they play together on an international stage.
The 26-year-old may not speak any Slovenian, but he may not need to if he can be a serious pick-and-roll threat next summer.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
