Los Angeles Lakers Okay Jordan Clarkson’s Bid To Play For Philippines; But Father Still Says No

The Los Angeles Lakers have no problem with point guard Jordan Clarkson wanting to don on the Philippine national team uniform, but he's still not playing for now without the blessing of his father, Mike.

John Black, Los Angeles Lakers spokesperson, told GMA News Online in an email that the team has no policy on its foreign players who want to play for their respective teams "As long as it would not interfere with responsibilities of the Lakers."

"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," the vice president for public relations said.

However, per team contract, Jordan Clarkson is required to be back with the team for the training camp on Sept 28.

"Grouped with Palestine, Hong Kong, and Kuwait, Gilas Pilipinas is scheduled to play the three teams on September 23, 24, and 25. September 26, meanwhile, is a rest day," said GMA News.

Mike Clarkson, however, junked any idea of Jordan Clarkson playing for the Philippine national team.

"As you know in professional sports, timing is of the essence especially when managing a player's career," he wrote in an email to Philippine Star newspaper.

He added, "Unfortunately, the timing couldn't be worse as he [Jordan] prepares for rigors of the upcoming 2015-2016 NBA season and heightened performance expectations."

Jordan Clarkson, who reportedly severed ties with Excel Sports Management recently, has earlier signified his intention to play for the Philippine team and even suited up the squad for the Jones Cup 2015 tournament, although he didn't take to the floor.

It was reported that the Los Angeles Lakers point guard acquired a passport when he was Philippine passport 16 years old, making Chanel Iman's boyfriend eligible to play for the national squad.