Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes is actively pursuing a Slovenian passport to join the Slovenian national basketball team and play alongside his teammate Luka Doncic, driven by frustrations with USA Basketball’s selection process. This move could enhance Slovenia’s international prospects and deepen the chemistry between the two players.
Hayes announced his intentions on Sunday, revealing that the idea was first suggested by his and Doncic’s agent, Bill Duffy of WME Sports, even before Doncic was traded to the Lakers last winter. The 25-year-old Oklahoma native explained that the Slovenian team allows one naturalized citizen on its roster for international competitions, and he aims to occupy that spot. Hayes expressed disappointment with USA Basketball’s lack of open tryouts, stating, “USA doesn’t do open tryouts, 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.”
Bill Duffy has a history of facilitating such transitions, having represented Anthony Randolph, a German-born American who became a naturalized Slovenian citizen and helped the team win gold at the 2017 EuroBasket. Duffy also cites Steve Nash’s experience with Canada Basketball as a key factor in his NBA success, emphasizing how international play can foster player development and adaptability. This background provides a strong foundation for Hayes’ pursuit, aligning with Duffy’s belief in the benefits of global competition.
Luka Doncic recently demonstrated his prowess by leading Slovenia to the quarterfinals of the 2025 EuroBasket, where he averaged 34.7 points per game—the highest in the tournament since Nikos Galis in 1989. The Slovenian team had planned to include another American-born center, Josh Nebo, but he withdrew due to injury, creating an opportunity for Hayes to fill the void. Doncic’s stellar performance underscores the potential for Hayes to contribute to a competitive squad, leveraging their existing synergy from the Lakers.
Lakers coach JJ Redick has voiced strong support for Hayes’ ambitions, drawing from his own experiences with USA Basketball. Redick highlighted the invaluable lessons learned from playing alongside great athletes and adapting to different styles in the international game. “I looked at my USA Basketball experiences and I had a bunch of them… they were all invaluable to me because you’re learning around great players,” Redick said. “And then, you’re also learning a different way to play, in some ways. The international game is very different. And I think for him, if it ends up happening, getting that connection and chemistry with Luka would be awesome.”
The next major event for Slovenia is the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Doha, Qatar, with qualification windows starting in November. However, only two of the six qualifying periods fall outside the NBA season, making it unlikely for Hayes or Doncic to participate fully. Despite these scheduling challenges, Hayes remains committed to the process, acknowledging the limitations while focusing on the long-term goal. “Obviously, I would love to go represent my own country, but we don’t do open tryouts,” Hayes said. “It is what it is.”
This endeavor reflects broader trends in international basketball, where player mobility and dual affiliations are increasingly common. If successful, Hayes’ integration into the Slovenian team could bolster their chances in future tournaments and provide him with valuable experience that benefits his NBA career. The pursuit also highlights ongoing debates about selection processes in national teams, encouraging a reevaluation of how opportunities are distributed in the sport.