Jordan Clarkson pushing to play for Philippines in Olympic qualifying tournament

Jordan Clarkson's sophomore campaign has not carried the same amount of hype as his rookie one when he was the lone bright spot on the Lakers, but the guard has still made steady improvement in his second year. Clarkson is averaging 15.2 points per game so far in the 2015-16 season, andhe sat down with Mike Trudell of Lakers.com on Tuesday to discuss a variety of topics, including what progress is being made on his quest to play for the Philippines in FIBA tournaments.

"We're working on it right now actually," Clarkson told Trudell when asked whether or not he will play for Gilas Pilipinas in the Olympic qualifying tournament that will be hosted in the country in July. "We have to go through some stuff with FIBA, so we're trying to make sure that happens. So hopefully the timing is right, and I get a chance to do that."

If Clarkson does not get to play for the country where his mother was born, it will not be due to any lack of desire to do so. "I definitely want to compete, I want to try to get the guys to Rio [de Janeiro]. That would be awesome to experience," said Clarkson, who was inspired to do so by the enthusiasm for the game displayed by the fan base in the Philippines when he visited this summer.

"They have so much passion and love for the game, and you know, I did a couple of camps over there and kids were showing up with like, no shoes and stuff, playing on concrete in sandals," said Clarkson. "So there's definitely a love over there for the game and I want to continue to keep going over there and trying to represent, and do great things for the country as well as the people."

In less serious matters, Clarkson also had a few other notable things to say in the interview with Trudell:

On if Mychal Thompson is right that he is the best looking guard in the NBA [which is kind of cold, considering his son also plays in the league]:

"I think so. I might be the best looking guy in the world... I think I'm making a campaign for it." (Trudell's face when Clarkson said this might be the best part of the video)

On who is the best dancer on the Lakers:

"I feel like I'm the best dancer on the team... I do a little bit of everything. You know, dab, whatever's hot you know I try to get it down so I can mess around before the game and keep things loose."

On who is the best singer on the team:

"Best singer is probably Metta World Peace. I think he's working on an album right now."

Clarkson answered those and plenty more fan questions in the over 20 minute interview, and the whole thing is a fun listen if you have time and want to do so here.

All stats per NBA.com and all quotes transcribed via Lakers.com. You can follow this author on Twitter at @hmfaigen