This summer gives Luka Dončić a chance to focus on recovery and enjoy more time with his family, as the Los Angeles Lakers star will not suit up for the Slovenian national team during the offseason.
However, Slovenia has completed the naturalization process for Lakers center Jaxson Hayes, paving the way for Dončić’s teammate to represent the country on the international stage potentially.
Luka Dončić Sends Clear Message After Jaxson Hayes Receives Slovenian Passport
Hayes has officially become eligible to represent Slovenia on the international stage after taking the oath of citizenship at the Slovenian Embassy in Washington and receiving his Slovenian passport. The move opens the door for him to play for the national team in future tournaments, but he will not be available during Slovenia’s upcoming World Cup Qualifiers window.
As Hayes is expected to provide a big boost to Slovenia’s frontcourt in the coming years, Dončić made it clear that he had no involvement in the process that led to Hayes obtaining Slovenian citizenship.
“I wasn’t involved in these talks at all,” Dončić said. “He’s a good guy, and that’s what he is as a player. Otherwise, we have a young team that gives us hope. I want them to keep winning. I’m not afraid they won’t succeed.”
Hayes appeared in 66 games for the Lakers this past season, averaging 7.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. As Los Angeles heads into what is expected to be a busy offseason filled with roster decisions and potential moves, Hayes expressed his desire to remain with the franchise.
“Yeah, of course,” Hayes said, via Lakers Nation. “I love this group of guys, I love this staff, I love this organization as a whole. I grew up watching Kobe (Bryant), and I just love to be a Laker. I wear Kobe’s every day. I’d love to stay here, obviously. I hope so.”
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Meanwhile, Dončić is focused on preparing for another season with the Lakers after putting together an outstanding season. He averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 47.6% from the field and 36.6% from beyond the arc.
Dončić has decided not to participate in international competition this summer, as spending time with his daughters played a major role in the decision.
“We already know that I won’t play for the national team,” Dončić told per Siol. “The main reason is my daughters. Everything else is pretty much the same. I’m doing individual workouts, training in the gym, and also playing other sports.”
Meanwhile, the Lakers continue shaping their roster around Dončić, and the franchise is reportedly prioritizing the addition of a high-level center.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Dončić has made it clear to general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick that acquiring an “A-list center” is among his top offseason priorities. Several names have already surfaced in trade speculation, including Detroit Pistons big man Jalen Duren.
