Lakers’ JJ Redick Jokes About Chris Paul’s Farewell Season – 'I Hope He Doesn’t Win a Championship'

When asked about Chris Paul’s looming retirement, Redick joked that he wishes his former teammate doesn’t win a championship.

“I hope he doesn’t win an NBA championship because that would mean the Clippers win an NBA championship and we don’t,” he said. “But to me he is an ultimate winner.

“There are guys who have won championships that I wouldn’t say are winning players and there are who have nevr won a championship, but to me are the ultimate winners. That’s who Chris Paul is, he’s the ultimate winner.”

The first of the Clippers’ four games this season will take place on Tuesday against the Lakers. The last time Paul will face Redick and his close friend, LeBron James, will be on Feb. 20.

JJ Redick’s relationship with Chris Paul evolved throughout the years

Chris Paul and JJ Redick didn’t start as friends. During their time in college, they had a rivalry that carried over into the NBA. But they found their way as teammates with the Clippers in 2013. That became the start of their friendship.

“I’m not going to craft a narrative, I just know him as a human being, a teammate and a brother,” Redick said. “The arc of our relationship is very interesting from going to a decade plus of quite literally hating each other to feeling like he is a part of my family.

“Getting to watch him evolve as a player, as a competitor, as a leader in the later stages, particularly after I retired, has actually been really fun for me.”

Redick told the media that Paul’s impact in the league will be missed once he steps away from the game.