Jaxson Hayes close to Slovenian citizenship to play with Luka Dončić

Jaxson Hayes is nearing Slovenian citizenship, according to BasketNews, a development that would make the Lakers center eligible to represent Slovenia as a naturalized player. The 25-year-old is in the final stages of completing the required paperwork.

If finalized, the move would bolster Slovenia’s frontcourt options alongside Luka Dončić, particularly during the qualifying windows for the 2027 World Cup. While the process is not yet complete, sources indicate it is in its final phase, with Hayes expected to receive his Slovenian passport in the near future.

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A long-term solution for Slovenia at the center position

Hayes first confirmed in October that he was pursuing Slovenian citizenship, a move that aligned with the federation’s stated goal of finding a long-term solution at center. At the time, Slovenian officials indicated Hayes fit what they were looking for at the position.

If the process is completed on schedule, Jaxson Hayes would be eligible to represent Slovenia in July and August during the 2027 World Cup qualifying windows. The pathway traces back to shared representation with Luka Doncic through agent Bill Duffy, who previously played a role in Anthony Randolph’s naturalization with the national team

Jaxson Hayes is nearing the completion of the paperwork required to represent Slovenia, per @Urbodo

Luka is getting some help 👀 pic.twitter.com/9YXnDCuM4X

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 30, 2026

“We have the same agent. My parents and Luka’s parents are currently working on it,” Hayes told ESPN, a detail that speaks to how deliberate — and personal — the process has become.

Slovenia has already opened its qualifying campaign in a group that includes Estonia and Sweden, dropping its opener against Estonia before rebounding with a win over Sweden. The top three teams will advance to the next round, where France, Finland, Hungary, and Belgium await.

If finalized, Hayes’ addition would address a long-standing roster need, giving Slovenia a reliable interior presence to balance Dončić’s perimeter creation. It wouldn’t change the team’s identity, but it would broaden it — adding size, verticality, and lineup flexibility heading into future international windows.