Fil-Am Laker Clarkson is a Mayweather fan

MANILA, Philippines – Rookie guard Jordan Clarkson of the Los Angeles Lakers may have Filipino roots, but he admits his favorite fighter is American Floyd Mayweather Jr.

The 22-year old bared his preference in a story on PositivelyFilipino.com and said he likewise admires Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, who will duke it out with Mayweather on May 2 in a mega-fight expected to finally settle which between the two fighters is the best of their age.

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

While he is a Mayweather fan, his teammates almost automatically associate Pacquiao with him.

Clarkson, who is quickly gaining some steam in the NBA as a starter, shared how his 7-foot teammate Robert Sacre teases him and addresses him as “Pacquiao.”

“He kind of makes fun of me,” shared Clarkson, who is currently averaging 9.6 points, 2.7 assists and 2.8 rebounds a game. “He says, ‘Want some lumpia, want some lumpia.’ Sometimes, he calls me Pacquiao.”

Born to Filipino mother Annette Davis from Angeles City, Clarkson is aware of his growing fan base made up of his compatriots. He makes a conscious effort to carry himself well on the court and bring pride to Filipinos like him.

“I’ve really grown aware of my Filipino heritage since I came out here. I do my best to represent Filipinos well. They’re always on my mind.”

That pride led him to previously express desire to play for the national men’s basketball team Gilas Pilipinas. He is also planning his first visit to the Philippines this year.

(READ: Gilas to hold trial session with pool of 20+ players)

“My agent is working on some things for my visit. I’m hoping to be on the Philippines National Team,” he reiterated in the same story.

But a strict FIBA rule is working against him as it requires players with two nationalities to acquire dual citizenship with the country they want to represent before turning 16.

Naturalization is a workaround he can take but Gilas head coach Tab Baldwin admitted it wasn’t likely the team will naturalize guards in lieu of centers. – Rappler.com