Jordan Clarkson (Photo : REUTERS/Jayne Kamin)
The Los Angeles Lakers schedule will not allow guard Jordan Clarkson to play for the Philippine national basketball team in the upcoming FIBA Asia Championship, from September 23 to October 3 in Changsha, China.
According to John Black, vice-president for public relations of the Lakers, they have no objection to Clarkson playing in the event but he must be in Los Angeles on September 28, the Digital Journal reported.
Black noted that as long as national team play does not interfere with team requirements and there are no injury issues, it is up to the players whether or not to play.
Furthermore, Clarkson still needs to get clearance from FIBA regarding its rules on citizenship and residency of the players.
The 23-year-old Clarkson, whose mother Annette is from Angeles, Pampanga in the Philippines, holds a Philippine passport.
The Philippine national basketball team has included Clarkson in its 24-player contingent in Taiwan for the William Jones Cup Invitational.
Clarkson has committed to play for the Philippines in three Olympic games beginning next year in Rio de Janeiro, according to the Inquirer.
He told Philippine basketball officials that being only 23, he could to play "in 2016, 2020 and 2024."
Philippine officials are going to the United States to ask "pay respects" to the Lakers and Clarkson's father, Mike, regarding Clarkson possible inclusion to the national team.
Mike Clarkson had earlier cited timing in relation to Jordan's commitment to the Lakers as reason why his son cannot suit up for the Philippine team.
Clarkson was selected by the Lakers in the second round and No. 46 overall in the 2014 Draft.
Averaging 11.9 points and 3.5 assists in his rookie year, Clarkson came in strong in the second half of the season where he started 38 games and had averages of 15.8 points and 5.0 assists.
His performance was very impressive that he earned an inclusion to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
