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.
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 ESPN. “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.
Back in October, Lakers coach JJ Redick told reporters he supported Hayes trying to get his Slovenian passport. Redick explained the value of not only playing with different international players but also getting the opportunity to build more chemistry with superstar Luka Doncic.
“You’re learning around great players… and a different way to play,” Redick said, per ESPN. “If it happens, building that connection with Luka would be awesome.”
Doncic signed a three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Lakers last summer. Meanwhile, Hayes is set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season.
The Lakers reportedly have interest in re-signing the 7-foot center, according to ESPN. Therefore, building chemistry with Doncic by playing with the Slovenian national team will benefit the Lakers’ future.
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