Jaxson Hayes has officially obtained Slovenian citizenship, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst revealed on The Hoop Collective podcast. The 25-year-old center, currently signed to a one-year, $3.4 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, now qualifies to represent Slovenia alongside NBA star Luka Doncic.
Potential Impact of Citizenship on International and NBA Prospects
According to Windhorst, Hayes’ acquisition of Slovenian nationality is a strategic move that could deepen his connection with Doncic and affect his future in the NBA. Slovenia has a history of naturalizing impactful big men, such as Anthony Randolph—who played a key role in Slovenia’s 2017 EuroBasket gold—and Mike Tobey, whom Hayes could emulate by strengthening the national team’s frontcourt.
Performance and Role with the Los Angeles Lakers This Season
This season, Hayes has participated in 45 games for the Lakers, averaging 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks while playing around 17.7 minutes per game. He has maintained an efficient 77.2% shooting percentage from the field, along with solid defensive contributions averaging 1.4 offensive and 2.4 defensive rebounds per contest. His presence complements the Lakers’ rotation that includes Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt by offering defensive rim protection and depth.
Significance of Citizenship for Hayes and Slovenian Basketball
The move to naturalize Hayes aligns with Slovenia’s approach of integrating NBA players to build a competitive international team. For Hayes, Slovenian citizenship not only strengthens his ties with Doncic and the national squad but also might bolster his standing with the Lakers, who currently hold a 33-21 record and sit fifth in the Western Conference. Windhorst hinted that this step could be a precursor to a contract extension in Los Angeles while preparing Hayes for a possible role in international tournaments.
