Jaxson Hayes is looking to take his game to a global stage. The Los Angeles Lakers center has confirmed that he is seeking Slovenian citizenship, hoping to represent Slovenia alongside Luka Dončić in future international competitions. The announcement came after the Lakers’ preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks on October 15, 2025, where Hayes shared his intentions in a postgame press conference.
The idea of Hayes joining Dončić on the Slovenian national team has quickly become one of the most talked-about stories in international basketball. The Slovenian Basketball Federation also confirmed that discussions are underway about adding a new center through naturalization, signaling their commitment to strengthening the national team for upcoming international tournaments.
For Hayes, this is more than a formality. It’s an opportunity to embrace a new identity and expand his legacy beyond the NBA. Playing internationally would allow him to represent a country that has become one of the most respected basketball nations in the world thanks to Dončić’s leadership. It’s a move that symbolizes ambition, respect, and the global nature of the sport.
Hayes was born in Norman, Oklahoma, and currently plays as a center for the Los Angeles Lakers. Known for his vertical athleticism and defensive energy, he has established himself as a reliable big man who brings consistency and effort every night. During the 2024–2025 NBA season, Hayes appeared in 56 games, starting in 35. He averaged 6.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1 assist per game in just under 20 minutes of play. He also maintained an exceptional 72.2 percent shooting from the field, ranking among the league’s most efficient scorers.
In his remarks, Hayes expressed admiration for Luka Dončić and excitement about the idea of teaming up with him again beyond the Lakers. “Playing with Luka has been an incredible experience,” he said. “He sees the game differently. I think representing Slovenia together would be special. It’s something I’m seriously considering and working toward.”
The Slovenian Basketball Federation echoed that optimism, confirming ongoing talks about naturalizing a new center for the national team. They have long been seeking a long-term addition who can provide defensive size and rebounding two areas that could complement Dončić’s all-around brilliance perfectly.
For Slovenia, the potential addition of Hayes could be transformative. The team has traditionally been built around perimeter skill and high basketball IQ, often compensating for a lack of size with strategy and precision. Hayes would bring a new dimension a true rim protector and vertical threat capable of anchoring the defense and finishing lobs on offense.
The timing also feels symbolic. Luka Dončić, the heart of Slovenian basketball, recently began a new chapter with the Los Angeles Lakers after his highly anticipated offseason move. His presence has already transformed the Lakers into a global story. Now, his connection with Hayes could extend from the NBA to the international stage, giving Slovenia one of the most intriguing frontcourt combinations in the world.
Dončić made his Lakers preseason debut on October 15, the same night Hayes revealed his citizenship plans. Dončić posted 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists in his first game wearing gold and purple, and Hayes played alongside him with visible chemistry. Their partnership showed flashes of what could one day translate to international play quick passes, strong screens, and seamless communication in pick-and-roll actions.
Hayes’ move to pursue Slovenian citizenship is not without precedent. In international basketball, several countries have strengthened their rosters by naturalizing players who share a bond with the nation through culture, connection, or collaboration. In this case, Hayes’ relationship with Dončić and his interest in contributing to Slovenia’s continued success make the potential move feel natural.
Slovenia’s national program has risen to global prominence over the past decade, fueled by Dončić’s generational talent and the leadership of players like Goran Dragić before him. The team’s gold medal run in EuroBasket 2017 and its strong showings in the Olympics and FIBA competitions have inspired a new wave of international pride. The addition of a player like Hayes could ensure that Slovenia remains competitive against powerhouse nations with deeper frontcourt rotations.
From Hayes’ perspective, joining Slovenia would also bring new growth opportunities. Competing internationally exposes players to different styles of play and tactical approaches, often refining their understanding of the game. It would also allow him to represent a nation known for its love of basketball, where passion for the sport rivals that of any major basketball culture.
His journey from a high school standout in Cincinnati to a first-round NBA draft pick has been defined by steady improvement and adaptability. Now, this next step could redefine his career on a global level. Becoming a naturalized Slovenian player would give him the chance to compete in tournaments like the FIBA World Cup and potentially the Olympics experiences that can elevate both a player’s game and his international profile.
For fans in Slovenia, the idea of Hayes teaming up with Dončić is already sparking excitement. The thought of Dončić throwing lobs to a seven-foot center known for his explosive finishing is enough to make any basketball fan dream. The combination of Dončić’s playmaking and Hayes’ athleticism could give Slovenia a new offensive weapon while solidifying its defense.
The process of obtaining citizenship will take time and coordination between Hayes, the Slovenian government, and the basketball federation. If successful, Hayes could join the team in time for upcoming international qualifiers or the next major FIBA competition. While no official timeline has been released, both sides appear motivated to make it happen.
Jaxson Hayes’ pursuit of Slovenian citizenship reflects a modern era of basketball where borders mean less than shared purpose. For Hayes, it’s a chance to grow his career and join Luka Dončić in representing a nation that has captured the basketball world’s imagination. For Slovenia, it’s a potential game changer a rare opportunity to add athletic size to an already skilled and dynamic roster.
If the move becomes official, it will mark not just a career shift for Hayes but also another chapter in the story of how basketball continues to unite players and cultures. The possibility of seeing Hayes and Dončić lead Slovenia together offers a glimpse of what makes the sport so universal passion, teamwork, and the dream of representing something bigger than oneself.
