Chris Paul’s NBA journey has been long, legendary, and full of narrative twists worthy of a Hollywood script. Now, as the 12-time All-Star stares down the twilight of his career, it appears he might be setting the stage for one final act—close to home. According to multiple reports, Paul is “determined” to play closer to Los Angeles next season, fueling speculation that the veteran point guard could join either the Lakers or Clippers in a stunning homecoming move.
Paul, who turned 39 in May, is reportedly prioritizing proximity to family and familiarity over championship contention or money. After a brief stint with the Golden State Warriors last season, the NBA’s “Point God” may now be plotting a return to Southern California, where he previously played six seasons with the Clippers from 2011 to 2017. For Paul, this potential decision marks more than a logistical shift—it represents a full-circle moment in one of the most storied careers in modern NBA history.
The context of Paul’s career trajectory adds immense weight to this development. Once seen as the quintessential floor general—an elite distributor, defender, and clutch scorer—Paul has spent nearly two decades elevating rosters and crafting a Hall-of-Fame résumé. But despite his brilliance, the one glaring absence from his résumé remains a championship ring. While many athletes chase that elusive title late into their careers by ring-hopping, Paul’s reported desire to be near his family suggests he may now be prioritizing life beyond basketball while still contributing on the court.
This isn’t the first time Paul has had his eyes on Los Angeles. In fact, one of the most infamous moments in NBA history occurred in 2011, when a league-vetoed trade blocked Paul from joining the Lakers to pair with Kobe Bryant. That moment reshaped the league’s power balance and indirectly led Paul to the Clippers, where he helped birth “Lob City” alongside Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. Though the team never reached the NBA Finals, they energized a fanbase and transformed the franchise’s national perception. The idea of Paul returning to Los Angeles not as a rising star, but as a veteran mentor, makes the story all the more poetic.
Now, the question becomes: which Los Angeles team makes the most sense for Chris Paul?
The Lakers immediately jump to the forefront. Paul is famously close friends with LeBron James, and their on- and off-court chemistry is well-documented. The idea of the two teaming up, even at the tail ends of their careers, has long intrigued fans. With D’Angelo Russell’s future uncertain and the Lakers still searching for a reliable second-unit playmaker, Paul could fill a need. He wouldn’t be expected to carry the scoring load or play 35 minutes a night, but his leadership, basketball IQ, and ability to orchestrate an offense would be invaluable—especially in high-stakes playoff moments. With LeBron also entering his 40s soon, the Lakers’ window is closing, and a seasoned veteran like Paul could provide a stabilizing force in that fragile equation.
On the other side of the crypto.com arena—figuratively and literally—stand the Clippers. Paul has history with this franchise and an enduring connection to the fanbase. While time has moved on and the core of the Lob City era is long gone, the Clippers remain a relevant, playoff-caliber squad with championship aspirations. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have struggled with injuries, and the team has lacked a consistent floor general to unify their offense. Paul’s return could serve both as a PR win and a strategic one. His understanding of the Clippers’ culture, familiarity with ownership and front office personnel, and potential desire for closure could make this reunion more than symbolic—it could be impactful.
However, there are hurdles. Paul is still under contract with the Warriors through the 2024-25 season unless he is traded or waived. Golden State may try to move him in a deal, potentially to recoup assets or relieve cap space. Alternatively, the Warriors could simply buy him out, allowing Paul to sign with any team of his choosing. If that happens, both Los Angeles franchises will likely be among the first to make calls.
Then there’s the reality of Paul’s physical limitations. At 39, he’s not the same player who once led the league in assists and steals multiple times. Last season with the Warriors, he averaged modest numbers—around 9 points and 7 assists per game—off the bench. His shooting percentages declined, and his trademark burst wasn’t always there. Yet, Paul’s game has always been less about athleticism and more about control. His passing vision, decision-making, and ability to manipulate defenses remain elite. For teams needing a steady hand rather than a high-volume scorer, Paul still offers tangible value.
The mental aspect cannot be overlooked either. Paul’s leadership is legendary. He commands respect in locker rooms, sets the tone in practice, and holds teammates accountable in ways few can. Younger players frequently cite him as a mentor, and his presence often elevates a team’s collective basketball IQ. Whether in a starting or reserve role, Paul would bring stability, experience, and unselfishness—qualities that can’t be measured purely by box scores.
Still, the ultimate decision may be less about basketball and more about life. Paul has a home in Los Angeles. His family is based there. As he nears the conclusion of his playing days, the desire to be closer to loved ones—and to spend his final professional chapters in comfort and familiarity—is understandable. Many players reach this stage and begin to weigh personal fulfillment over professional ambition. For Paul, whose basketball legacy is already secure, a homecoming might be the perfect conclusion.
In many ways, this moment echoes past greats who returned home to finish their stories. Think of Dwyane Wade returning to Miami after brief stops elsewhere. Or Paul Pierce’s one-year farewell tour with the Clippers in his hometown of L.A. Even legends like Kobe Bryant never left home, choosing to ride into the sunset where they started. For Chris Paul, coming back to Los Angeles isn’t about reclaiming old glory—it’s about finding peace and purpose in a city that has long been part of his narrative.
The timing, too, couldn’t be more compelling. The NBA landscape is in flux. Superteams are dissolving, parity is rising, and veteran leadership is more valued than ever. Paul’s knowledge of the game could make him a vital piece for a team on the cusp. The Lakers, with LeBron and Anthony Davis, are one of the league’s most media-scrutinized teams. The Clippers, aiming to make a deep playoff push before moving to their new arena in Inglewood, could benefit from a high-IQ floor leader like Paul. Both destinations offer more than just proximity—they offer purpose.
As the offseason unfolds, Paul’s decision will be one of the most closely-watched among NBA veterans. While younger stars dominate headlines with max contracts and highlight-reel potential, the future Hall-of-Famer’s choice will resonate deeply for a different reason. It’s about legacy, family, and the freedom to choose the ending on his own terms.
Whether he dons purple and gold or rekindles ties with the Clippers, Chris Paul returning to Los Angeles will feel like a victory—not just for him, but for fans who’ve followed his journey for nearly two decades. From his early days in New Orleans to unforgettable battles in Houston and Phoenix, and now the final lap, Paul’s career is a masterclass in persistence, professionalism, and poise.
His next move won’t just be another transaction—it will be a legacy-defining decision. And if the reports hold true, Los Angeles could soon be home once again to one of the greatest point guards the game has ever seen.
