Los Angeles Lakers fans may be seeing more Luka Doncic–Jaxson Hayes lobs.
The 25-year-old center told reporters on October 15 he’s working on obtaining a Slovenian passport to team with Doncic internationally. A reporter asked about the connection during his postgame availability after the Lakers preseason tilt against the Dallas Mavericks.
“That’s my guy,” Hayes said in Las Vegas after taking on the Mavericks. “I’m working on getting a Slovenian password right now so I can play with him next summer.”
A spokesperson for the Slovenian Basketball Federation hinted at the possibility in an interview with rtvslo.si.
“As previously mentioned, we are exploring the possibility of a new naturalized player in the center position,” a Google translation of the article reads. “We are aiming to secure this player for a longer period to ensure the team’s stability in the coming years. At this stage, we cannot disclose names or details. Once all matters are finalized and the procedures successfully completed, we will inform the public.”
What It Means For Jaxson Hayes
Hayes could get valuable international experience playing for Slovenia. Of course, that will depend on whether the Slovenian federation accepts Hayes, and he fits other rules regarding the naturalized player cap. Obtaining that citizenship would allow Hayes to compete for Team Slovenia in at least a few FIBA events, and likely EuroBasket 2029 Pre-Qualifiers alongside Doncic.
The move could also be a savvy business decision for Hayes. The seventh-year big man is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after this season. Endearing himself and building an even stronger relationship with Doncic could net him another Lakers contract, and a pretty decent payday if the two build a strong bond.
Hayes perhaps feels more incentivized to take this extra step, as the Lakers brought in a more established starting center this past offseason, signing former No. 1 overall pick DeAndre Ayton to a deal. The franchise also has 2022 second-round pick Christian Koloko on the roster, too, meaning there will be a bit of competition at the center slot for Hayes.
Hayes’ game against Dallas on October 15 was his best of the preseason, and surprisingly, came without Doncic on the court. Hayes played 25 minutes and posted a double-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. Hayes started and played his highest minutes total of the preseason as Ayton was held out.
Hayes’ NBA career so far resembles a familiar statline of a backup center. He holds career averages of 6.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. Last season was his best in LA, however, as he averaged 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in 19.5 minutes per game. He spent his previous four seasons playing for the New Orleans Pelicans.
What’s Next
The Lakers have their final preseason tuneup on October 17 against the Sacramento Kings, and it will serve as the final preseason game the Hayes-Doncic duo could gel. The Lakers start the regular season against the Golden State Warriors on October 21 (nationally televised on NBC/Peacock).
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Lakers Center Working on Slovenian Citizenship to Team With Luka Doncic appeared first on Heavy Sports.