Playing for one's country is a dream of all basketball players in the world.
However, this patriotic act has been put in bad light recently following the injury of Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum while playing for Australia. Looks like Los Angeles Lakers will undergo a similar dilemma soon.
According to reports from the Philippines, Los Angeles Lakers sophomore Jordan Clarkson has expressed intention to play for his country's national team called Gilas Pilipinas.
The 23-year old 46th overall draft pick of 2014 is currently in the Southeast Asian country for a product endorsement. The country's national team is in the middle of preparation for the upcoming FIBA Asia competition.
"Los Angeles Laker Jordan Clarkson has expressed his willingness to join Gilas Pilipinas, according to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas," local publication Inquirer.net wrote.
"In a statement released on Sunday, the SBP said the Filipino-American guard wants to be part of the national team. SBP added Clarkson would be invited to observe the Gilas practices in the Philippines and in Taipei while the team prepares for the Jones Cup.
"Clarkson, who also signed up with Smart as an endorses, will also be in Manila on Monday for basketball clinics with the youth."
The Los Angeles Lakers youngster is not assured yet of a spot for FIBA competition. According to Hagop rule, a player born in other country cannot play for his homeland unless he obtained a passport before the age of 16.
He can only suit up as a naturalized player but in the Philippines, they already have former Brooklyn Nets Andray Blatche for that spot. According to reports from Manila, Clarkson revealed that he already owned a Philippine passport when he was just 12 years old.
Philippines will have to get clearance from the Los Angeles Lakers first before Jordan Clarkson get to play international games,
Jordan Clarkson is expected to be one of the vital cogs of Los Angeles Lakers this season after a successful rookie year.
The Filipino-American was part of the first rookie team of the 2014-15 NBA season. He will be Kobe Bryant's back up, along with 2015 2nd overall draft pick D'Angelo Russell.
