A Jaxson Hayes Eastbay dunk could be coming to a Slovenian international game near you. That's right. The Los Angeles Lakers center is nearing completion of the process to join Luka Doncic as a member of the superstar's national team. The two could be joint at the hip for the foreseeable future.
Donatas Urbonas reported: "The Los Angeles Lakers center, Jaxson Hayes, is in the final stages of completing paperwork to obtain Slovenian citizenship and represent Slovenia alongside Luka Doncic, sources tell BasketNews."
Hayes told the media back in October about his desire to join Doncic in playing for Slovenia. Urbonas mentioned that if everything was completed on time, the high-flying center would be eligible to participate in the FIBA World Cup qualification windows set for July and August.
This is the second of Doncic's frontcourt partners to explore the idea of naturalization with Slovenia (that we know of). Daniel Gafford would be the other name in question. Hayes is well on his way to surpassing the Dallas Mavericks center in execution.
Lakers can't let Jaxson Hayes go anywhere else while Luka Doncic is around
Hayes re-signed with the Lakers during the 2025 offseason. Currently playing on a one-year, $3.4 million deal, the former lottery pick should have some excellent job security moving forward.
The Lakers have always been huge on keeping their superstars happy. It's a part of the pitch to play in Los Angeles. Doncic is now at the forefront of receiving that type of treatment. Keeping Hayes around might become a pivotal part of that.
Granted, Hayes has given the Lakers plenty of reason to want him with the team beyond his relationship with Doncic. The backup center is averaging 6.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in 17.7 minutes per game this season, shooting a ridiculous 77.3 percent from the field.
The chemistry between Doncic and Hayes has been there since Luka's arrival in Los Angeles. It has only grown since. The Lakers big would not be going out of his way to play with his superstar point guard on an international level if it hadn't.
More than anything, Lakers fans can certainly appreciate the effort that Hayes brings on the court whenever he gets up off the bench. It's a nice contrast to watching Deandre Ayton sleepwalk through possessions at a time when watching the games.
Even if Hayes does not remain in the backup role, there should be a good chance that a spot as the third center with the Lakers is secure as long as Doncic is with the team. This is exactly why building relationships matters in every corner of the professional world.