The Lakers’ Saturday night loss to the Clippers, 103-88, was a tough one-not just because it handed the Clippers their first win after a five-game skid, but because it underscored some of the ongoing questions surrounding both teams. But after the final buzzer, attention quickly shifted from the scoreboard to a player who wasn’t even in the building: Chris Paul.
Following the game, LeBron James was asked about Paul’s recent departure from the Clippers and his abrupt retirement announcement last month. James, who’s known for his close friendship with Paul, kept it short and respectful.
“It’s not for me to comment on, to be honest,” James said. “It’s none of my business.”
That’s about as close to a “no comment” as you’ll get from LeBron, especially when it comes to someone he’s been tight with for decades. The two go way back-AAU days, Olympic teams, and of course, their shared presence as elder statesmen in the league. But even with that history, James said they haven’t spoken since Paul’s situation unfolded.
“Nah, I haven’t talked to him,” James added.
Paul’s exit from the Clippers was sudden. The team announced on December 3 that they were parting ways with the veteran guard, just weeks after he announced this would be his final NBA season.
Reports suggest Paul had clashed with both head coach Ty Lue and ownership over the direction of the team. He was sent home during a road trip and never returned to the rotation.
His on-court role had already diminished. In 16 games with the Clippers, Paul averaged just 2.9 points and 3.3 assists-a far cry from the All-NBA numbers fans had grown used to. It’s a steep drop for a player who started all 82 games for the Spurs just last season.
Now, the question is whether Paul’s career has truly reached its final chapter. He’s still chasing that elusive first ring, and there’s always a chance a contender in need of veteran leadership and floor general savvy might give him a call. But if no team comes knocking before season’s end, this could be the end of the road for one of the greatest point guards the game has ever seen.
Nicknamed the “Point God” for good reason, Paul’s résumé speaks for itself-elite vision, surgical precision, and a basketball IQ that’s been the envy of peers and coaches alike. A first-ballot Hall of Fame nod feels like a lock when the time comes.
For now, though, the basketball world waits to see if there’s one more chapter left in the Chris Paul story-or if we’ve already seen the final page.