RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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One of the things that Luka Doncic's minicamp for his Los Angeles Lakers teammates allowed them to do is visit and explore Doncic's native country of Slovenia. Outside of basketball and training, several activities were planned, including golf, a bicycle race and a rowing session on Lake Bled.
Forward Jarred Vanderbilt apparently liked his experience in Slovenia. In fact, he told a reporter there that he would like to visit the nation again.
“I would love to [return],” Vanderbilt said. “Not gonna lie, I didn’t know much about it before I came here, but it’s definitely a spot I will revisit.”
In fact, Vanderbilt said he wants to obtain a passport.
“I was looking to get my Slovenian passport,” he said. “So we’ll see. Might be part Slovenian.”
This led to immediate speculation that perhaps he will want to play for Slovenia's national basketball team. It is looking to participate in next year's FIBA World Cup, and while the qualifying games are about to be held, Doncic decided to not take part in them.
But it is likely that Vanderbilt was at least partly joking, although there is a precedent for one of Doncic's teammates actually doing what Vanderbilt said he wants to do.
Jaxson Hayes, a backup center for the Lakers during the past three seasons before he signed with the Utah Jazz, had the same desire to obtain a passport that Vanderbilt mentioned. He eventually did so and had the intention of playing for the Slovenian national team.
Vanderbilt, 27, was originally acquired by the Lakers in February 2023 as part of the team that sent out Russell Westbrook. At first, he became a fan favorite because of his energetic, defensive-minded play, but his playing time has decreased ever since due to injury and his lack of offensive skills.
Last season, he found himself being shuffled in and out of coach JJ Redick's regular rotation. It remains to be seen if he will get more consistent playing time this coming season, especially since Los Angeles has a hole at the big forward position.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Jarred Vanderbilt says he wants a passport to return to Slovenia
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