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Clarkson, Lakers still deciding on participation in FIBA Asia Championships prelims

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

With less than three weeks until the 2015 FIBA Asia Championships tip off, Jordan Clarkson still hasn't made a decision about suiting up for the Philippines.

Clarkson, who is believed to be eligible as a "natural born" player because his mother is Filipino and he owns a Filipino passport, left Manila last week without having made up his mind. Clarkson's father said in an interview that his son would not play, but Clarkson denied the statement and said he was still weighing his options.

The Los Angeles Lakers point guard has no injury standing in his way from competing, but the tournament runs into the beginning of training camp, when players are contractually mandated to show up. The Lakers begin camp on Sept. 28 in Hawaii, meaning Clarkson would only be available for three preliminary-round games for the Phillippines.

Lakers spokesman John Black filled in Lakers.com on Thursday:

Lakers spokesman John Black told us that the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement gives players the right participate in international play if there is no injury issue. ...

Clarkson would not be able to participate in FIBA Asia’s knockout round, which begins Oct. 1.

Clarkson will likely be in communication with Lakers management before coming to a decision about whether he’ll play, or whether it’s too difficult considering the proximity to the start of camp.

The Asia Championships begin Sept. 23 and extend through Oct. 3, with one of 16 teams punching their ticket to the 2016 Olympics and two more qualifying for the last-chance qualifying tournament next summer. With the 23-year-old Clarkson in the fold, No. 31-ranked Philippines would likely be considered a favorite to secure one of those three positions. Without him, the road is more arduous.

Clarkson was one of the lone bright spots for L.A. in 2014-15, averaging 11.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. His presence in camp is necessary not only contractually, but to help expedite building chemistry with No. 2 overall pick D'Angelo Russell in the backcourt.

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