The Slovenian national basketball team could soon add a key NBA presence ahead of the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualification windows. According to BasketNews sources, Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes is in the final stages of completing paperwork that would allow him to obtain Slovenian citizenship and represent Slovenia alongside Luka Doncic.
Hayes, 25, was born in Norman, Oklahoma, and plays center for the Lakers. He first confirmed in October that he was pursuing Slovenian citizenship, and the process is nearing completion as he finalizes the remaining documentation needed to secure a Slovenian passport.
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Hayes was selected No. 8 overall in the 2019 NBA Draft and has appeared in 405 NBA games, including 91 starts. This season with the Lakers, he is averaging 6.4 points and 3.9 rebounds in 18 minutes per game.
Slovenia’s Long-Term Plan and World Cup Qualification Picture
Hayes’ potential addition aligns with Slovenia’s long-term plans at the center position. When his intentions became public in October, the Slovenian Basketball Federation stated it was aiming to secure a long-term solution at center to provide stability for future international competitions. Hayes, who is one year younger than Doncic, is viewed as a strong fit for that vision.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and center Jaxson Hayes (11).© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Hayes and Doncic became teammates in Los Angeles during the 2024–25 NBA season when Doncic was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Lakers. Beyond his current role, Hayes also brings prior NBA experience from his time with the New Orleans Pelicans. He has career averages of 6.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 0.7 blocks in 17 minutes per game. He is also set to participate in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest during the upcoming NBA All-Star Weekend.
Slovenia has opened its FIBA World Cup qualification campaign in a group with the Czech Republic, Estonia and Sweden. The team defeated Sweden but lost to Estonia in the opening window, with Doncic unavailable because the qualifiers were played during the NBA season. He will also miss the late February window, when Slovenia hosts the Czech Republic before facing it on the road.
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In the summer, Slovenia will travel to face Estonia and host Sweden. The top three teams from the group advance to the next stage, joining France, Finland, Hungary and Belgium, with the top three from that group qualifying for the FIBA World Cup. If Hayes completes the citizenship process, both he and Doncic would be eligible for the qualification windows running from June 29–July 7 and Aug. 24–Sept. 1.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.