But Clarkson’s release from his team does not guarantee that he can take part in the FIBA Asia Championship games, since he has yet to get clearance from FIBA regarding its rules on citizenship and residency.
Clarkson, 23, whose mother hails from Angeles, Pampanga, in the Philippines, is one of the most promising young players in the NBA and is now in his second year as a Laker.
There are indications, however, that Clarkson — who holds a Philippine passport — will be granted permission by FIBA to play for Gilas Pilipinas.
While Clarkson has been granted permission to play for Gilas by his team, he can do so only until Sept. 28 because the Lakers will start training for the next NBA season on Oct. 28.
“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. Our players must be in Los Angeles on Sept. 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,” John Black, the Lakers’ vice-president for public relations, told mb.com.ph Tuesday.
Gilas has already included Clarkson in the 24-member Gilas contingent and is currently assisting the Gilas team off-court in Taiwan for the William Jones Cup Invitational.
Gilas defeated Taiwan in the opening game 77-69 but lost to Korea 82-70 in the second game. On Tuesday, Gilas engaged Russia in a rugged, foul-marred game to win its second outing in the tournament 85-71.