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PHOTO: Clarkson plays chess with Pacquiao in Philippines, status for FIBAs unclear

REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco

While Jordan Clarkson waits to make a decision on suiting up for the Philippines at the 2015 FIBA Asias Championships next month, he's found a pretty good way to kill time.

Visiting Manila this week, Clarkson got the opportunity to play chess with Filipino boxing legend, basketball player, and Congressman Manny Pacquiao.

CAPTION: Crazy Experience.Blessed. Playing Chess with The Legend himself @mannypacquiao respect #pinoypride

Crazy Experience.Blessed. Playing Chess with The Legend himself @mannypacquiao respect #pinoypride

The Los Angeles Lakers point guard is in the Philippines working out with the national basketball team roster. Despite his inclusion in the 24-man lineup the team submitted to FIBA last week, Clarkson's status as a "natural born" player and availability for the Olympic qualifying tournament remains somewhat unclear.

Clarkson's father, Mike, told PhilStar.com Wednesday that his son would not be playing in the tournament, and national team head coach Tab Baldwin urged caution when penciling Clarkson into a potential rotation. Clarkson, meanwhile, released a statement through Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP):

My father, Mike, has always looked out for my welfare and is only genuinely concerned for my career, my future and my wellbeing - his thoughts are that of a very loving dad.

I just called him and we agreed we will talk about my playing for Gilas when I get back. Nothing is cast in stone. But I want to assure my Filipino brothers and sisters that, if given the chance and everything can be worked out, I sincerely wish to play for Gilas and contribute to the total team effort for flag and country - this is the reason why I am observing and familiarizing myself with the team while here and will even follow them in Taipei for the Jones Cup so I can see them compete close up and benefit from the learning from said experience. Laban Pilipinas! Puso!

The SBP is still in the process of confirming eligibility for Clarkson, whose mother is Filipino and who owns a Filipino passport. The Asia Championship begins Sept. 23 and extends 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.

The 23-year-old will become a restricted free agent following the 2015-16 season, as the Lakers locked him up to a two-year deal as a second-round pick a year ago. He was one of the lone bright spots for the Lakers in 2014-15, averaging 11.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.

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