Fil-Am Jordan Clarkson reveals being called ‘Pacquiao’ by Lakers teammates

Filipino-American Jordan Clarkson has been very vocal about his roots, and, fittingly, that has apparently inspired one of his Los Angeles Lakers teammates to nickname him before Philippine boxing hero Manny Pacquiao.

Clarkson told Positively Filipino magazine that Lakers center Robert Sacre sometimes ribs him about his Filipino background and calls him “Pacquiao.”

“He kind of makes fun of me. He says, ‘Want some lumpia, want some lumpia.’ Sometimes, he calls me Pacquiao,” Clarkson said.

While Clarkson said he’s a fan of Pacquiao, the Filipino-American revealed that his favorite boxer is Floyd Mayweather. The two pugs will face off in a much-awaited showdown on May 2.

“They’re both great fighters,” Clarkson said.

Clarkson also reaffirmed his desire to play for the Philippine national men’s basketball team. He said he is currently arranging his first trip to the country during the NBA off-season.

“My agent is working on some things for my visit. I’m hoping to be on the Philippines National Team,” Clarkson said.

Although he was born to a Filipino mother, Clarkson is currently ineligible to play for Gilas Pilipinas because of a FIBA rule which requires players to acquire dual citizenship before they turn 16 years old.

But Clarkson has earlier said he is looking to secure an exemption from the rule.

Clarkson, 22, is seen as a bright spot on the Lakers’ woeful NBA season.

via Fil-Am Jordan Clarkson reveals being called ‘Pacquiao’ by Lakers teammates | InterAksyon.com | Sports5.