Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Fil-Am Jordan Clarkson got the green light from the Los Angeles Lakers to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Championship late September, according to a report by CBS Los Angeles.
Related: Jordan Clarkson shows desire to join Gilas
But only for the first half of the biennial meet, which kicks off on September 23.
In the same report, Lakers Public Relations Vice President John Black said that the outstanding rookie should be back with the team by September 28 in time for the media day and training camp.
“Per the collective bargaining agreement between the NBA and the Player’s Association, 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,” Black said.
“Our players must be in Los Angeles on September 28, so as long as he would be back by then, we would have no objection to Jordan playing in the event up until that date.”
Nonetheless, Gilas needs all the help it can get and Clarkson’s addition is definitely a big boost for a team aiming for a gold medal in the tournament, which serves as the Olympic Qualifier.
Still, Clarkson, who was included in the 24-man Gilas pool submitted to the Central Board, has to wait for FIBA’s final word on his eligibility.
Related: Clarkson included in Gilas 24-man FIBA Asia roster
The 23-year-old cager was the lone bright spot for the Lakers in the decorated franchise’s forgettable season where he averaged 11.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.2 rebounds.
Selected in the second round of the 2014 NBA draft, Clarkson was named to the All-Rookie First Team.
