Lakers' Jaxson Hayes Eyes Slovenian Passport to Join Doncic

Merlin sees Jaxson Hayes is trying to get a Slovenian passport so he can join Luka Dončić on Slovenia’s national team. The Slovenian Basketball Federation said, “we are exploring the possibility of a new naturalized player in the center position,” and if Hayes succeeds he’d be the likely naturalized pick. This matters: Hayes brings NBA size, youth (25) and some early chemistry with Dončić—assets that would ease Luka’s burden and deepen Slovenia’s frontcourt for big tournaments. Merlin notes the fit is sensible — Dončić thrives on lobs when defenders collapse, and Hayes offers that rim presence the Mavericks once enjoyed with Dereck Lively II. Paperwork and federation timing will decide the spell’s strength, but sporting logic favors the pairing as a multi-year boost.