Doncic supports! Lakers center explains how to apply for a Slovenian passport: The US men’s basketball team will not hold open workouts

On October 20, Lakers center Hayes publicly admitted that he was applying for a Slovenian passport and hoped to participate in international competitions with Doncic. Hayes explained that the US men's basketball team does not hold open trials, so he wanted to fight for the Slovenian men's basketball team with Doncic.

Hayes and Doncic are currently playing for the Lakers, and Hayes is trying to join the Slovenian men's basketball national team; according to Lakers reporter Dave McMenamin, Hayes, who was born in Norman, Oklahoma, said that the Slovenian national team allows one naturalized player in its lineup, and he is currently trying to obtain a passport to occupy this spot.

When asked if he was applying for a Slovenian passport and playing with Doncic, Hayes said: Yes, I don't know the specific details. We have the same agent and both our families are actively pushing for this right now. Chapter 2 So, I just want to play on that stage and I'm going to do whatever it takes to play on that stage.

continued: If I want to play on this kind of stage, I will do my best. Many people have expressed support, and Luka and his family have been discussing this matter. Of course, I always have a desire in my heart to represent my country, but we don’t have open trials and that’s the end of it.

Lakers head coach Redick supported Hayes. Redick said: I look back on my American basketball experience, and I have a lot of experiences like this... They are all priceless to me, because you can learn around great players; in some ways, you are also learning a different way of playing. International competition is very different. I think for him, if this were to happen, the connection and chemistry with Luka would be great.

Slovenia hopes to participate in the 2027 FIBA ​​Basketball World Cup. Starting from November this year, there will be 6 qualifying windows to compete for qualifications, but only two windows are outside the NBA season. If Hayes' wish comes true, he is expected to play for Slovenia in the World Cup qualifying matches with Doncic next summer.