Los Angeles Lakers pick up Fil-Am Jordan Clarkson in 2014 NBA Draft

A Filipino-American could very well be donning a Los Angeles Lakers jersey in the upcoming NBA season as Jordan Clarkson was selected 46th overall by the Lakers in the 2014 NBA Draft.

The Washington Wizards were the original owners of the pick for Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak bought the pick to draft Clarkson. With a bunch of holes still in their lineup, the Lakers needed young talent. After drafting Juluis Randle with the seventh selection overall, the Lakers added Clarkson who could end up running the point for the purple and gold. The Lakers had to shell out $1.8 million to purchase the pick.

Clarkson was largely an unknown entity in months before the draft but good workouts with different teams had him climbing up the rankings with some pundits saying he could crack the first round.

"I actually don't know him personally. Heard of him through Chris Ross (also from San Antonio). But I've watched him over the years," said PBA star and Gilas Pilipinas member Gabe Norwood who was saying before the draft that Clarkson has a good chance of getting selected. "I'm a fan of his game. He's a versatile combo guard from what I've seen and seems to have a great work ethic."

Born to an American father and a Filipino mother, the 6-foot-5 Clarkson averaged 17.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.1 steals in 35 games for the Missouri Tigers.

A pre-draft ranking by SB Nation tabbed Clarkson to be picked 27th overall by the Phoenix Suns while saying that he was as high as 17th in other mock drafts.

The article described Clarkson as  “a tremendous value at the 27th slot” and “a good passer and scorer and can use his long arms to defend the perimeter.”

They however cautioned that the guard needed work on his shooting.

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