Jaxson Hayes, centre for the Los Angeles Lakers, has officially obtained Slovenian citizenship and is expected to join the country’s national basketball team in upcoming competitions. The 25-year-old confirmed the news after practice, noting that teammate Luka Dončić had often joked about him becoming his “Slovenian brother.”
Unlike Dončić, Hayes has no direct family or cultural ties to Slovenia. His naturalisation is widely seen as a strategic move by the Basketball Federation of Slovenia to reinforce the national squad with an additional high-level player, particularly at the centre position where depth has been limited. Hayes, a former first-round NBA draft pick, brings athleticism and defensive presence developed through his professional career in the United States.
He could make his debut as early as July in the FIBA World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers, where Slovenia currently leads its group. Meanwhile, Dončić’s return to action remains uncertain due to injury, though he has resumed light training ahead of the Lakers’ playoff series against the Houston Rockets.
Hayes’ case reflects a broader and increasingly visible trend in international sport: the fast-tracking of citizenship for elite athletes to boost national team competitiveness. From basketball to football and athletics, federations are more frequently turning to naturalisation as a tool to fill gaps and remain competitive on the global stage, blurring the lines between nationality and sporting strategy.
