What happened?
Jarred Vanderbilt made headlines before the Los Angeles Lakers departed for Slovenia, admitting he is actively trying to obtain a Slovenian passport. The 27-year-old forward stated the trip was "amazing" and that he would love to return, noting he is "looking to get a Slovenian passport" and joking he might be part Slovenian. Vanderbilt was teammates with Jaxson Hayes for three seasons, and Hayes recently secured Slovenian citizenship to represent the national team alongside Doncic this year. Vanderbilt indicated he may follow suit to bolster Slovenia's roster, especially since he is unlikely to represent Team USA at this stage of his career.
Why it matters for Los Angeles Lakers
If Vanderbilt acquires Slovenian citizenship, he would join Hayes in potentially playing international basketball for Slovenia alongside Luka Doncic. The defensive specialist averaged 4.4 points and 4.5 rebounds last season, but his size and athleticism would make him the best defender on the Slovenian national team. Joining Luka in Slovenia is not a guarantee of a future with the Lakers, as Hayes left LA this summer as a free agent, meaning Vanderbilt's spot as a Laker likely is not determined by his national team association. The move would reflect Doncic's influence in recruiting role-playing teammates to switch nationalities for featured roles in FIBA competition.
What comes next?
Vanderbilt's pursuit of a Slovenian passport remains conditional, and his role with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2026-27 season remains undetermined. The forward's defensive versatility could appeal to new coaching staff, but his offensive limitations mean any national team decision would prioritize playing time over NBA roster security. Lakers fans will watch closely to see if Vanderbilt completes the paperwork, but his spot on the roster appears secure regardless of his citizenship status. The team opens the new campaign aiming to build on recent momentum, though they dropped their last five outings including a 110-115 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on 2026-05-12.
