Lakers G Jordan Clarkson due for Manila to observe Gilas training

MANILA, Philippines -- Los Angeles Lakers' Fil-Am guard Jordan Clarkson is returning to the country for the second time this year to observe Gilas' practices. 

Clarkson, who has been vocal with his desire to represent the country in international competitions, is set to arrive on Monday and will also officially sign an endorsement deal with Smart Communications, Inc. 

Clarkson, whose mother Annette, is a Filipina born in Angeles, Pampanga, is also scheduled to join the national pool's trip to Taipei where Gilas is set to compete in the William Jones Cup. 

As of the moment, Clarkson cannot represent the country as a local since he failed to get a Philippine passport by the age of 16. The only option for now is for him to play as a naturalized player.  

Clarkson, who was voted to the All-Rookie First Team last season, will also conduct basketball clinics with the youth while in Manila. 

“As a proud Fil-Am, I look forward to my upcoming visit to the Philippines.  The Pinoy fans have been very supportive of me all year long, and I can’t wait to thank them in person,”  Clarkson said in a statement released by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) to media outlets on the eve of his arrival. 

The rising Lakers star first came here last May with Utah Jazz point guard Trey Burke in a promotional tour for the NBA.