Fil-Am Jordan Clarkson named NBA West best rookie in March

MANILA, Philippines -- Fil-American Jordan Clarkson became the first ever player in the Los Angeles Lakers' history to be named as Western Conference's Rookie of the Year on Friday (Saturday Manila time). 

The monthly rookie honors has been presented since the 1981-82 season. 

Clarkson responded with a 27-point, seven-rebound, five-assist performance on the day he was honored with the award. Unfortunately, the Lakers lost to Portland Trail Blazers, 77-107. 

In the month of March, Clarkson emerged as the Lakers' leading scorer with 15.8 points per game. He even scored a game winners in two games -- first a a final second layup against Philadelphia on March 30 and clutch free throws to break a tied game at Minnesota on March 25. 

Aside from leading the Lakers in scoring on 45.2% shooting clip, he also averaged 5.2 assists and 4.8 rebounds. 

Clarkson, who was born and raised by an American father Mike and Filipina mother Annette Davis, is considered the steal of the draft at 46th pick. 

The Lakers' rookie history-making month was also highlighted with his career night on March 24. He set career-highs with 30 points and three blocks, becoming the first Laker rookie since Eddie Jones to score 30 in a game. A week later, he joined an elite cast of Stephen Curry, John Wall and Russell Westbrook as the only NBA players this season to record a single-game of at least 26 points, 11 assists, six rebounds and three steals. 

The 22-year old freshman, who rose up to no. 3 among rookies in points (10.9), field goal percentage (.447) and free throw percentage (.828), has developed to become the Lakers' team leading scorer with 15 points per game since he was inserted in the starting lineup 31 games ago. 

Clarkson, who is now being mentioned in the Rookie of the Year discussions, is also averaging 4.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds as a starter for the Lakers.