Jaxson Hayes becomes Slovenian citizen, aims to play with Luka Dončić
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 8:53 PM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes officially became a Slovenian citizen on June 16, 2026, after taking the oath and obtaining his passport at the Slovenian embassy in Washington, D.C. He is eligible to join the Slovenian national team starting next year, with aspirations of playing alongside his teammate Luka Dončić. Hayes expressed his desire to compete on the international stage, citing dissatisfaction with his opportunities in the U.S. team selection. His long-term goal includes participating in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, a prospect supported by Lakers head coach JJ Redick.
- •Hayes secured Slovenian citizenship at the embassy in Washington, D.C.
- •He will be eligible to play for Slovenia in 2027.
- •Hayes aims for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
- •JJ Redick supports Hayes' move to play with Dončić.
- •Hayes sought an international career after being overlooked by the U.S. team.
- 7:00 AMYahoo Sports — Los Angeles Lakers star earns his Slovenian passport to play with Luka Doncic in future
- 8:53 PMYahoo Sports — Lakers Big Man Officially Becomes a Slovenian Citizen to Play Alongside Luka Dončić
"A Los Angeles Lakers big man has taken a major step toward becoming Luka Doncic’s international teammate, giving Slovenia a potential NBA-level frontcourt boost for future tournaments. Slovenia have long leaned on Doncic to shape games with his shot-making, vision, and late-clock creation.
"Lakers center Jaxson Hayes officially obtains Slovenian citizenship. Find out when he can suit up alongside Luka Dončić and why JJ Redick supports the move. The post Lakers Big Man Officially Becomes a Slovenian Citizen to Play Alongside Luka Dončić appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 17, 2026, 7:00 AMLos Angeles Lakers star earns his Slovenian passport to play with Luka Doncic in future
A Los Angeles Lakers big man has taken a major step toward becoming Luka Doncic’s international teammate, giving Slovenia a potential NBA-level frontcourt boost for future tournaments. Slovenia have long leaned on Doncic to shape games with his shot-making, vision, and late-clock creation.
- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 8:53 PMLakers Big Man Officially Becomes a Slovenian Citizen to Play Alongside Luka Dončić
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes officially obtains Slovenian citizenship. Find out when he can suit up alongside Luka Dončić and why JJ Redick supports the move. The post Lakers Big Man Officially Becomes a Slovenian Citizen to Play Alongside Luka Dončić appeared first on LA Sports Report.
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