The Last Dance: Chris Paul’s Final Ride Begins in L.A.

Chris Paul is back with the Clippers.

Let me repeat that louder for the people in the back: CHRIS PAUL. IS BACK. IN LOS ANGELES.

After 20 seasons of balling out across the country — from the Crescent City to H-Town, to the Valley of the Sun and even a brief stint in the Bay — CP3 is reuniting with the franchise where he helped redefine modern point guard play and turned a laughingstock into a perennial playoff squad.

According to reports, the 12-time All-Star has signed a one-year deal with the LA Clippers for what will likely be his final season in the NBA.

And I absolutely love it.

The Lob City Legacy Still Matters

Now look — let’s not rewrite history. Chris Paul never made the Conference Finals with the Clippers.

Yes, the Lob City era fell short of championship expectations. But we can't forget what he meant to that franchise.

Before CP3, the Clippers were an afterthought. A side dish to the main course known as the Lakers.

When Chris got there in 2011? That all changed.

The Clippers became box office. Blake Griffin was flying out the gym. DeAndre Jordan was catching lobs from the rafters.

And CP3?

He was the maestro, the engine, the leader.

In his six seasons with the team, the Clippers made the playoffs every single year. He averaged 18.8 points, 9.8 assists, 2.2 steals per game, and racked up All-NBA, All-Defense, and All-Star nods like they were candy on Halloween.

The Clippers Now? Don’t Sleep

Listen, I know people love to talk about the Clippers being cursed. Kawhi can’t stay healthy. Harden fades in the playoffs. Beal hasn’t been the same since D.C. But let me tell you something — this roster is seriously underrated.

The starting five:

• James Harden

• Bradley Beal

• Kawhi Leonard

• John Collins

• Ivica Zubac

  
  

And off the bench? You’ve got:

• Chris Paul – the floor general.

• Bogdan Bogdanovic – a bucket.

• Derrick Jones Jr. – athleticism and energy.

• Nicolas Batum – a savvy vet.

• Brook Lopez – a former All-Star and elite rim protector.

That’s a legit 10-man rotation.

The only question — and it’s a BIG one — is health. But if this team can stay upright come April, don’t be surprised if they’re dancing in June.

Chris Paul’s Legacy and Last Shot

Let’s keep it 100 — CP3 doesn’t need a ring to validate his legacy.

But a title? It would cement his place as a top 5 point guard of all time.

Easily.

He’s already second all-time in assists (12,499) and steals (2,717). He’s one of the greatest two-way floor generals to ever touch a basketball.

The only thing missing? That elusive Larry O’Brien trophy.

This is it. The last ride. The final chapter. And how fitting is it that he gets to finish where he helped write one of the most exciting eras in Clippers history?

So let’s appreciate greatness while we’ve still got it. Let’s root for one of the game’s most respected voices, fiercest competitors, and highest IQ players.

Because win or lose — Chris Paul deserves this moment.