FIBA Asia 2015: Lakers Guard Jordan Clarkson Eyes Three Olympic Stints With Team Philippines
Cesar Tordesillas | | Sep 02, 2015 09:07 PM EDT |
(Photo : Getty Images/Stephen Dunn)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson committed to play for the Philippine basketball team for three Olympic Games beginning next year in Rio de Janeiro.
Clarkson pointed out to the Philippine basketball officials that being only 23 years old, he will be able to play in the 2016, 2020 and 2024 Olympics.
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Philippine basketball officials will in fact go to the United States to "pay respects" to the Los Angeles Lakers and Clarkson's father, Mike, the Inquirer reported.
Jordan is in Asia and is working out with the national team.
Being born to a Filipino mother made it possible for the Philippines to utilize Clarkson as a "homegrown" talent.
Clarkson is now part of the Philippines' 24-man preliminary roster as a natural-born player for the FIBA Asia championship.
Another NBA player, Andray Blatche, who is a naturalized Filipino citizen, is scheduled to suit up for the Philippine team.
However, Clarkson will not yet play for the Philippine national team due to conflicts with his NBA schedule, according to NBC Sports.
Clarkson's dad said that timing is the reason why his son would have to forego on the chance to don the country's colors at this time.
If the Philippines advances to the Olympics, there is a good chance that Clarkson can join the team.
Clarkson, along with D'Angelo Russell and Julius Randle, are expected to carry the Lakers heading into the 2015-16 NBA season, which is possiblyKobe Bryant's final.
Clarkson started the Lakers final 38 games last season, posting a team-high 15.8 points per game on 45.8 percent shooting while dishing out 5.0 assists, grabbing 4.2 boards and completing 1.05 steals.
The Lakers look to rebound from last season's win-loss percentage, which is the worst in franchise history.
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