Something’s brewing in Los Angeles- and no, it’s not another overpriced oat milk latte in West Hollywood. It’s a story involving one of the most respected floor generals in NBA history, a familiar locker room, a whole lot of family vibes, and a surprising admission that’s keeping fans everywhere guessing. No spoilers here, but let’s just say Chris Paul might not be done cooking just yet. And yes, he said something about LeBron that’ll make you pause, smirk, and maybe even rethink what you know about this phase of his career.
Chris Paul, 40 years young and still dishing out dimes with more precision than a barista spelling “Aimee” with three Es, is back in Los Angeles- and not just for the weather or the freeway traffic. After a season with the San Antonio Spurs, the veteran point guard has circled back to the Clippers, and if you’re a fan of poetic full-circle moments, this one’s for you.
Now, before anyone starts setting up retirement banners, pump the brakes. Despite whispers of this being Chris Paul’s final season, the man himself isn’t signing off just yet. In fact, he told ESPN he’s not ruling out another NBA season after 2025. So, nope- no farewell tour playlist needed. Yet.
Image Credits: IMAGN
Let’s rewind. Paul’s return to the Clippers wasn’t some PR stunt or emotional trip down Lob City Lane. It was strategic, personal, and deeply intentional. “If I’m really honest, I wanted to get back and play here by any means necessary. I didn’t even care what the team looked like. I just wanted to be home, be here with the Clippers,” Chris Paul said.
It’s been a long time coming. For years, he tried to “speak it into existence”- a return to the team where he became a five-time All-Star, the franchise leader in assists (4,023) and steals (775), and arguably the guy who made the Clippers relevant in the first place. Now, with his family still based in LA, the stars finally aligned.
And let’s be real- he didn’t have to squint hard to see potential here. Bradley Beal, Brook Lopez, and John Collins are all in the building, and Paul has already chatted it up with James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. “I’m just so excited about the moves that the team has made this offseason,” he said.
Chris Paul’s Role Is Changing- But His Impact Isn’t
Here’s the twist: Chris Paul won’t be starting. Yeah, let that one marinate. After starting all 82 games with the Spurs last season (yes, even at 40), Paul will now lead the Clippers’ second unit. And he’s fine with that. “My role on this team is obviously different than it’s been the past 20 years,” he said, “but showing up every day… that’s what I plan on bringing. If I can show some of the guys what it looks like to clock in and clock out, I’m excited for it.”
Basically, if Paul’s new Clippers role were a playlist, it’d be called: Less ‘God Mode’, More ‘Mentor Mode’- with a strong chance of clutch fourth quarters. When asked the R-word- retirement- Paul didn’t pull a dramatic pause or cue up Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road.” Instead, he gave a classic, grounded CP3 response: “Yeah. I don’t know… I think throughout this season, at some point… you sort of figure it out yourself. It tells you, you know?”
Translation: He’s not calling it just yet. He added that he’s approaching this season with “so much gratitude,” especially because it means more time with family- like watching his kids’ games. “Win or lose that game, I get to go sit and be Dad.” That’s a flex that money can’t buy. Of course, being 40 and still hooping at a high level puts Chris Paul in very elite company- most notably, LeBron James, who just happens to share the same city and approximately the same number of vitamin packs.
When asked about it, Paul responded like the seasoned vet he is: “It’s gonna be cool. It’s gonna be cool… It’s a lot of gratitude… I’ve always believed in stacking days. You just have to show up every single day.” You get the sense Paul isn’t concerned with optics or chasing a specific narrative- just showing up, being present, and making the most of it. He’s the guy who still packs lunch, shows up five minutes early, and casually leads by example without quoting Remember the Titans in the locker room.
Dec 3, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) against the Phoenix Suns during an NBA Cup game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Quick shoutout to San Antonio- because Paul made it clear that without them, this LA comeback might not have happened. “I just want to say thank you so much… without this past year in San Antonio, if that doesn’t happen, I don’t have this opportunity.” Despite the Spurs going 34-48 last season and missing the playoffs, Paul proved he still had the juice: 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. Not earth-shattering, but definitely not retirement-worthy either.
Don’t sleep on this roster. The Clippers may have let Norman Powell go, but they stacked up with Paul, Collins, Lopez, and Beal. And let’s not forget: this team won 50 games last season. Also: keep one eye on 2027. The Clippers are clearing cap space with a very specific free-agent target in mind (cough Giannis cough). In the meantime, Chris Paul will be the glue guy, the locker room leader, the floor general, and the guy who still probably has the crispiest midrange in the Western Conference.
Chris Paul is back in LA. Back where the fans still chant his name. Back with the team he helped build. And back to doing what he does best- leading, mentoring, and dishing out assists like it’s 2014 again. Whether this is the final chapter or just another clutch fourth quarter, one thing is certain: Chris Paul isn’t done- not mentally, not physically, and definitely not emotionally. And as long as he’s stacking days, you can bet he’ll be stacking wins too.
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