Professional basketball player Jaxson Hayes has taken steps to grow eligible to represent Slovenia in international competition, marking a significant development in his career and personal connection with Los Angeles Lakers teammate Luka Dončić. The 7-foot center, who joined the Lakers in the 2024-25 season, has completed the necessary paperwork to gain Slovenian eligibility, according to verified reports from NBA insiders.
Hayes’ pursuit of Slovenian eligibility stems from his growing friendship with Dončić, who was traded to Los Angeles from the Dallas Mavericks in February 2025. Since joining the Lakers, the two players have developed a close bond both on and off the court, leading to discussions about potentially playing together for the Slovenian national team in future international competitions.
The process of gaining eligibility for a new national team typically involves meeting specific criteria set by FIBA, basketball’s international governing body. For players seeking to change national team representation, this often requires demonstrating a clear connection to the country through ancestry, residency, or other recognized pathways, followed by formal approval from FIBA’s central bureau.
According to Brian Windhorst, a well-known NBA insider, Hayes has successfully completed the administrative steps required to become eligible for Slovenia. Windhorst stated that Hayes “completed the paperwork to become a Slovenian” and can now join the Slovenian national team for international competitions, describing it as “one of the smartest things Jaxson Hayes has ever done.”
This development comes amid Hayes’ solid performance with the Lakers during the 2025-26 season. In 45 games for Los Angeles, he has averaged 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and one assist per game while shooting a career-high 77.2% from the field. His efficiency has been bolstered by the playmaking abilities of both Dončić and LeBron James, who have helped create easy scoring opportunities for him in the paint.
The potential for Hayes to represent Slovenia adds an intriguing layer to the Lakers’ roster dynamics. His eligibility could strengthen the team’s connection to international basketball and potentially influence future roster decisions, given the reported friendship between him and Dončić. Windhorst noted that “given the friendship between him and Hayes, there’s a high probability that the Lakers retain him beyond this season due to that relationship.”
From a financial perspective, Hayes’ current contract with the Lakers pays him $3.4 million for the season, a figure that represents reasonable value for his contributions. While he has not averaged one block or more per game in his seven NBA seasons, his offensive efficiency and familiarity with the Lakers’ system have made him a reliable rotation player.
Looking ahead, Hayes and Dončić are expected to rejoin the Lakers’ lineup following the NBA All-Star break in February 2026, with their first game scheduled against the Los Angeles Clippers on February 20. Their continued partnership on the court will be closely watched, both for its impact on the Lakers’ performance and for the potential development of their international basketball aspirations.
The situation highlights the increasingly global nature of the NBA, where personal relationships formed in the league can lead to meaningful international representations. For Hayes, the opportunity to play for Slovenia would not only honor his connection with Dončić but also provide a platform to compete on the world stage while maintaining his professional commitments in Los Angeles.
As of now, no official announcement has been made regarding Hayes’ potential debut for the Slovenian national team. The next steps would involve FIBA’s formal approval of his eligibility status and subsequent invitation from Slovenia’s basketball federation for upcoming qualifiers or tournaments.
For fans interested in following this story, official updates regarding Hayes’ international eligibility status can be found through FIBA’s website and the Slovenian Basketball Federation’s official channels. The Lakers’ medical and communications departments would also be appropriate sources for any team-related announcements concerning player availability for national team duties.
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