Lakers’ Jaxson Hayes to Join Slovenian National Team With Luka Doncic

TL;DR

Jaxson Hayes of the Los Angeles Lakers has received his Slovenian passport, making him eligible to play for the Slovenian national basketball team alongside Luka Doncic. Hayes aims to compete in international tournaments, including the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Key points

Jaxson Hayes received his Slovenian passport.
He can now play for the Slovenian national basketball team.
Hayes aims to compete in the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Team USA does not allow open tryouts for selection.
Playing with Doncic could benefit the Lakers' future.

Los Angeles LakersJaxson HayesLuka Doncic2028 Summer Olympics

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes is officially eligible to play with the Slovenia men’s national basketball team. On Monday, Hayes told reporters he received his Slovenian passport. “We got my Slovenian passport,” Hayes said, per the *New York Post*. “It really came through. Luka’s been calling me ‘my Slovenian brother.’ He says it all the time.” The Slovenian national team allows one naturalized citizen on their roster for international competitions, according to *ESPN*. Hayes, who is a Norman, Oklahoma native, will now be able to fill that spot.

Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) reacts after a dunk in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images When Hayes initially started the naturalization process in October, he told reporters that Team USA’s selection process was a big reason why he wanted to play for Slovenia. Hayes said he would love to represent the US but Team USA does not allow open tryouts. “USA doesn’t do open tryouts,” Hayes said in October, per *.* “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.” By receiving his Slovenian passport, Hayes will be eligible to compete in international tournaments like the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.

Q&A

Why did Jaxson Hayes pursue Slovenian citizenship?

Jaxson Hayes pursued Slovenian citizenship to play for the national team, as Team USA does not allow open tryouts for selection.

What international competitions can Jaxson Hayes participate in with Slovenia?

With his Slovenian passport, Jaxson Hayes can participate in international tournaments, including the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.

How does playing for Slovenia benefit Jaxson Hayes and the Lakers?

Playing for Slovenia allows Jaxson Hayes to build chemistry with Luka Doncic, which could benefit the Lakers as they consider re-signing him.