Chris Paul returns to the Clippers: Excitement and motivation in his return to LA

Chris Paul Returns to Los Angeles Clippers: An Expected Reunion

After eight years, Chris Paul is once again wearing the LA Clippers jersey. The point guard, who last played for the franchise eight years ago and reached the NBA Finals four years ago, was enthusiastically received at the Intuit Dome. The return of Paul was celebrated by almost a thousand fans who gathered to welcome him. Paul, visibly moved, was grateful for the support received. Before the crowd’s “C-P-3!” chants, Paul revealed that his motivation for returning was to be closer to his family, including his wife, Jada, and his children, Chris Jr. and Camryn, who remained in Los Angeles while he played in other cities.

It was an obvious decision. To be honest, I wanted to come back and play here by any means necessary.

Chris Paul

Paul mentioned that his departure from the team almost a decade ago “wasn’t the prettiest,” but he maintained dialogue with owner Steve Ballmer, even participating in a personal visit to the new stadium, the Intuit Dome. A little over a week ago, Paul agreed to a veteran minimum contract of $3.6 million to play his 21st season in the NBA with the Clippers. Although he didn’t commit to the 2025-26 season being his last, Paul expressed his enthusiasm for the team he’s joining. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue was his assistant. James Harden, his teammate in Houston, and Bradley Beal, with whom he has a long-time connection, are part of the team. Paul was enthusiastic about the team’s additions, including Bradley Beal and Brook Lopez, as well as the young talents.

Almost a thousand fans celebrated Chris Paul’s return to Los Angeles, eight years after his last participation with the Clippers.In the 2024-25 season, Paul played all 82 games with the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. It is expected that his role will be different on a team full of guards like Harden, Beal, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Kris Dunn. Paul stated that he will accept any role assigned to him to help the team.

My role on this team is obviously different from what I’ve had in the last 20 years in the NBA, but I’m excited to show the guys what it’s like to work day in and day out.

Chris Paul

Paul ranks second in assists and steals on the NBA’s all-time list. The only achievement missing from his career is a championship. He came close in 2021 with the Suns, but lost in the Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks. When addressing the fans, Paul expressed his enthusiasm for being on a competitive team with possibilities.“I’m going to try to do better and smile a little more this year. I am grateful. I will go out every night, anyway, and try to give it my all for the team.”