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Chris Paul Deserved Better From the Clippers

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Terynce Garner | Last updated Feb 14, 2026 8:00 AM ET

Chris Paul deserved better from the Los Angeles Clippers. Waived by the Toronto Raptors, Paul officially announced his retirement on February 13th. After an illustrious, no-doubt, Hall of Fame career spanning 21 seasons, it has come to a sour end—no fanfare or admiration from fans, no tribute videos chronicling his career. Instead, he ends his career unceremoniously in the middle of the NBA season, and not during a farewell tour for the team he helped elevate to new heights.

Chris Paul did not just play for the Clippers; he ushered in a new era and gave a feeble franchise an identity worth being proud of. Paul was the leader of the “Lob City” Clippers and also part of their big three alongside teammates DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin. The new look Clippers were exciting to watch, characterized by high-flying dunks and a fast-paced offense. For a while, they even commanded the spotlight in a city long-dominated by the Lakers, becoming the standard for excitement in Los Angeles.

The Lakers were navigating the twilight of the Kobe Bryant era, with the Clippers emerging as an electrifying team boasting MVP-level players and a new standard of competitiveness. The seasons would end in heartbreak in the playoffs, but the Clippers were finally playing meaningful basketball and giving the Clippers’ faithful something to cheer for.

Chris Paul Deserved Better From the Clippers

Paul played seven seasons with the Clippers, in which he averaged 18.2 points, 9.6 assists, and 4.1 rebounds. He was the first Clipper to be named to the All-NBA first team since the team relocated to Los Angeles in the 1980s. He received the All-NBA distinction five times with the Clippers, four of those being first-team selections.

Paul represented the Clippers six consecutive years at the All-Star Game. He led the NBA in steals four times while wearing a Clippers jersey, and led the NBA in assists twice, establishing himself as the franchise’s all-time assists leader.

Nov 28, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers fans cheer guard Chris Paul (3) during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Yet for all Paul’s accomplishments in his tenure with the Clippers, he was traded to the Toronto Raptors in what was supposed to be his farewell year. His time in Los Angeles ended not with the respect he deserved but instead with an exit marked by internal tensions and clashes with the coaching staff.

A Reunion Built on Different Expectations

When the Clippers signed Paul, the organization framed the signing as a fit built on flexibility. President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank defined what he expected from Paul in his return:

“He is joining us as a reserve point guard and is excited to fill whatever role [coach] Tyronn Lue asks him to play,” said Frank.

But as the season unfolded, it became clear that what the organization expected of Paul and the role he sought did not align. Paul set out to be a vocal leader and was often critical of his teammates. He would offer training suggestions and challenge players in moves that attempted to help build the team, but instead caused friction. In talks with Frank, Paul raised concerns about the team’s culture and lack of cohesion.

He also clashed with Tyronn Lue over being benched and pushed for a team meeting and more practices. These concerns fell on deaf ears, as the Los Angeles Clippers had already committed to their own vision that differed from Paul’s. Instead of attempting to accommodate a future Hall of Famer and meet in the middle, they decided to part ways. On December 3rd, the Clippers announced they would be sending him home.

In February, they dealt him to the Raptors, ending his brief and turbulent return. His departure from the team leaves a sour taste after all he gave to the franchise during his prime. Chris Paul transformed the Clippers from perennial losers to a team with an identity, and in his final season, the Clippers could not return the favor and give him a proper send-off.

Paul’s legacy as an all-time great Clipper will remain, but the ending he received was unfitting for a future Hall of Famer.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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