Jaxson Hayes has cleared a key step toward the Slovenian national team.
The Slovenian Basketball Federation announced that Hayes received his Slovenian passport after the authorities completed the approvals and documentation for extraordinary naturalization and citizenship. The Lakers center took the oath at the Slovenian Embassy in Washington.
Hayes, 26, is listed at 213 centimeters. He played 75 games for Los Angeles last season, with 65 coming in the regular season and 10 in the playoffs. His averages were 18 minutes, 7.4 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.
There is still a timing limit. Hayes will not be eligible for Slovenia in the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifying window. After that, he is expected to be available.
The basketball angle is clear. Slovenia already has Luka Doncic as its centerpiece, and Hayes would give the team a bigger, more athletic center option. The passport is official. The on-court pairing has to wait.
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