Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson could see action for the Philippine national basketball team in the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying tournament, which serves as the final qualifier for the Rio Olympics this year.

Clarkson said in an interview with Mike Trudell of Lakers.com that they are now working on the needed requirements to become eligible to play for the Philippine team, which is known in the country as the "Gilas Pilipinas" squad.

Clarkson, who is playing in his sophomore season for the Lakers, can play for the Philippines, where his mother was born. However, the 23-year-old needs to submit documents to be considered as a local, and not as a naturalized Filipino like former Brooklyn Nets forward Andray Blatche.

"We're working on it right now actually," Clarkson said, when asked about playing for Gilas Pilipinas. "We have to go through some stuff with FIBA, so we're trying to make sure that happens. So hopefully the timing is right, and I get a chance to do that."

The former Missouri standout, who was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team last season, visited the Philippines last summer and spent time with Gilas Pilipinas in their preparation for the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship, where the team finished second to host China.

Clarkson said that he witnessed the passion of Filipinos for basketball, and how hardworking the national team players are, which made him more determined to represent the Philippines in international competitions.

"I definitely want to compete, I want to try to get the guys to Rio. That would be awesome to experience," Clarkson added. "They have so much passion and love for the game, and you know, I did a couple of camps over there and kids were showing up with like, no shoes and stuff, playing on concrete in sandals."

The timing could be perfect for Clarkson and Gilas Pilipinas after FIBA named Philippines as one of the hosts for the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which will feature 18 countries who failed to secure a spot in Rio in the regional championships last year.

Five other countries will join Gilas Pilipinas in their bracket, while the 12 other teams will play either in Italy or Serbia, who were also picked to host the final qualifying tournament. The draw for the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying tournament will take place on Tuesday, while the event will run from July 4 to 10.