The Lakers could get a glimpse at what the two look like in an international setting.
Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes officially became a Slovenian citizen this month after taking the oath at the Slovenian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and his teammate Luka Doncic could not be happier about it.
Hayes and Doncic became teammates when Doncic was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Lakers ahead of the 2024-25 season, and their on-court connection has been one of the more exciting parts of playing in Los Angeles over the past two years.
Doncic's Reaction
Speaking with Siol.net in Slovenia, Doncic was asked about Hayes going through the process of becoming a naturalized citizen.
His answer had all the humor fans have come to expect from him.
"Yes... I basically had nothing to do with that, so, I'm only playing for national team," Doncic said. "But yes, boy is really okay. Good player, so it's amazing."
The response was classic Doncic, playful but clearly excited about what Hayes brings to the table.
Hayes averaged 7.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in 66 games for the Lakers this season while shooting 75.6 percent from the field, and his ability to run the floor and finish above the rim alongside Doncic in the pick-and-roll made them one of the better two-man actions in the league.
The Basketball Federation of Slovenia confirmed the move, adding that the 26-year-old is expected to play a big role for the national team going forward.
Hayes' Role on the Slovenian Team
Slovenia only allows one naturalized player on the roster for international play, and Hayes will fill that spot as the team's center.
His 7-foot frame and his athleticism as a lob threat make him a natural fit next to Doncic, who has always been at his best when he has a big man who can run the floor and finish plays.
Hayes will not be eligible for the upcoming World Cup qualifier window this summer, but the long-term plan is for him to anchor the frontcourt for years to come.
The Lakers are focused on building around Doncic this offseason, and keeping Hayes happy on both sides of the ball matters.
Doncic's Summer Plans
While the citizenship news is exciting for the future of Slovenian basketball, Doncic himself will not suit up for the national team this summer.
The 27-year-old suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain on April 2 that ended his season early, and he has chosen to use the offseason to recover while spending time with his two daughters.
Doncic averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game this season and led the NBA in scoring, but the Lakers went 53-29 and were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals after he went down.
He has made it clear that winning a championship is what matters most and that he wants the front office to add specific pieces around him this summer.
For now, Doncic seems happy knowing that whenever he returns to the national team, he will have a familiar face and a proven lob partner waiting for him in the Slovenian frontcourt.
