According to European basketball media Basketnews, Lakers center Jaxon Hayes is working hard to obtain a Slovenian passport, hoping to join the national team with Doncic.
Hayes revealed in a recent interview: "He (Doncic) is my buddy, and I am working hard to apply for a Slovenian passport so that I can play with him (Doncic) next summer."
According to previous reports, Slovenia had previously explored naturalizing Gafford, but it ultimately failed to materialize. Former Slovenian naturalized center Mike Toby did not continue to play, and current naturalized center Josh Nebo missed this year's European Championship. Slovenia will participate in the 2027 World Cup qualifiers next summer.
Hayes played 56 games for the Lakers last season, including 35 starts. He averaged 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in 19.5 minutes per game, shooting 72.2% from the field and 62.2% from the free throw line.
Mini-game recommendations:LinQuest