Fil-Am draftee hopes to play for Lakers

MANILA, Philippines - Fil-Am guard Jordan Clarkson may get to play alongside NBA superstar Kobe Bryant with the LA Lakers.

The Lakers acquired the draft rights to Clarkson, who was selected 46th overall in yesterday’s NBA Draft, from the Washington Wizards “in exchange for cash considerations.”

The guard from Missouri, who has a Filipino mother, looks at the prospect of learning from Bryant and the rest of the Lakers team.

“I feel like I’m in the right situation now and I just got to make the best of my opportunity,” the 22-year-old aspirant said in a post-draft conference call that was posted on the websites of the NBA and the Lakers.

The 6-foot-5 Clarkson, who was named Second Team All-SEC by the coaches in his lone season with the Tigers, said the Lakers’ winning tradition makes him excited.

“When you talk about the Lakers, winning championships and great players come to mind. But the big thing is the championship and winning tradition and culture and I’ll try to be a part of that,” he said.

San Antonio-based Clarkson ranked among the NCAA leaders in both free throws made (72nd) and percentage (101st), and field goals (51st) in 2013-14. If signed, he is expected to earn his minutes at the 1, 2 or 3 spots.

“I see myself (primarily) as a point guard with my ability to create shots for my teammates but I can also play 2 because of my versatility in defense and ability to score,” he said.

Then there’s the prospect to getting pointers from the Black Mamba.

“I’ve been a fan of Kobe, watched him growing up,” the Fil-Am said. “The opportunity to learn from one of the best, if not the best player in the league, is a blessing, really.”