Since arriving in Los Angeles and playing for the Lakers, Luka Doncic has formed nice chemistry with center Jaxson Hayes. After not adding a starting caliber at last year’s deadline, Doncic quickly developed a connection with Hayes, specifically with lobs.
Dating back to his time with the Dallas Mavericks, the Slovenian guard operated at a high level by having a lob threat. When Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II entered the fold, Dallas found themselves in the NBA Finals.
L.A. is reaping those same benefits by having Hayes using his athleticism to finish easy dunk opportunities courtesy of Doncic. On the flip side, the 25-year-old big loves playing next to the Lakers star, so much so that he is trying to acquire a Slovenian passport to play with Luka on their national team.
It appears that this process is nearly done, which would pave the way for Hayes to suit up for Slovenia in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers in July, via Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews:
The Los Angeles Lakers center, Jaxson Hayes, is in the final stages of completing paperwork to obtain Slovenian citizenship and represent Slovenia alongside Luka Doncic, sources tell BasketNews.
Hayes, 25, born in Norman, Oklahoma, first confirmed in October that he was pursuing Slovenian citizenship.
According to BasketNews sources, the process is nearing completion, with Hayes finalizing the remaining paperwork to obtain a Slovenian passport.
If completed on time, Hayes would be eligible to play for Slovenia in the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualification windows in July and August.
This is a massive commitment for Hayes and also demonstrates his desire to continue developing his on-court relationship with Doncic.
Hayes signed a one-year contract last summer and his long term future with the Lakers is unclear. However, seeing how Doncic can operate with an athletic lob threat is extremely valuable, especially on a cheap deal.
As general manager Rob Pelinka continues to curate a roster better suited around his new star, keeping Hayes as a reserve center makes sense given their blossoming relationship.
Luka Doncic in ‘great place’ one year after trade from Mavericks
After getting traded from the Mavericks, no one truly knew how invested Doncic would be with the Lakers. Given how committed he was to Dallas, it would take him time to warm up to Los Angeles.
Now one year removed from the blockbuster, Doncic believes he is in a ‘great place’ as he is now preparing for the future in a Lakers jersey.
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