Hayes seeks Slovenian citizenship to join Dončić on Slovenia's team

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes said he is pursuing Slovenian citizenship so he can join Luka Dončić on Slovenia's national basketball team next summer, a move that, if completed, would make him the squad's naturalized player. Hayes raised the possibility during postgame remarks on October 15 in Las Vegas after a preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks, saying, "That's my guy. We're working on getting a Slovenian passport right now so I can play with him next summer."

The Slovenian Basketball Federation confirmed it is exploring adding a naturalized center and said the goal is to secure a longterm option to stabilize the roster. "As previously mentioned, we are exploring the possibility of a new naturalized player in the center position," the federation said in a statement. "We are aiming to secure this player for a longer period to ensure the team's stability in the coming years. At this stage, we cannot disclose names or details. Once all matters are finalized and the procedures successfully completed, we will inform the public."

Hayes, 25, and Dončić began playing together after Dončić was traded to the Lakers in February. Their oncourt partnership has featured...