Lakers News: Jordan Clarkson will not play for Philippines in FIBA Asia this summer

The Los Angeles Lakers may have given Jordan Clarkson the nod he needed to play for the Philippines this summer, but Gilas Pilipinas couldn't "secure the necessary clearances on time," the Philippines Basketball Association announced in a press release. Clarkson has been in the Philippines throughout the summer and had hoped to represent the country during FIBA Asia play. Gilas Pilipinas' first game is Sep. 23, but play extends into October.

Lakers public relations manager John Black released a statement that the organization had no issue with Clarkson playing internationally, so long as he returned to Los Angeles by Sep. 28. The Lakers head to Hawaii for training camp at the end of the month, and Clarkson's presence is mandatory as they begin the season.

One of the looming issues was the scheduling conflict the FIBA Asia tournament has with the start of the NBA season, which is unique to its region. The Philippines Basketball Association plans on raising this issue with FIBA in order to avoid this issue in the future.

Clarkson won't get a chance to play for the Philippines this summer, but he still plans on being a part of Gilas Pilipinas in the future. He plans on helping the team for the 2016, 2020 and 2024 Olympic games, and heading into his second season, will have plenty of opportunities to help the team in the future. Those plans will just be put on hold for now.