Chris Paul Back in LA: Clippers Chase a 2026 Championship

July 21, 11:33 PDT

Chris Paul Back in LA - San Antonio Spurs guard Chris Paul (3) celebrates a basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors, April 13, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate, File)

Keypoints Summary:

Chris Paul returns to the Clippers on a 1-year deal
Reunion sparks buzz for a potential championship run
LA now has a chance to create a deadly starting five
Paul George and Kawhi Leonard remain core pieces
Front office eyes veteran shooters and elite big men
Clippers balance star power with smart role players
LA fans hopeful for deep playoff run in 2025

Man, I never thought I’d see this day. Chris Paul, the Point God himself, is back in a Clippers jersey. After all the wild twists in his career—Houston, Phoenix, Golden State—he’s circling back to where the modern CP3 legend really took off. And let’s be real, this isn’t just some farewell tour. This looks like a win-now move. A run-it-back-and-win-it-all kind of mission. I’m hyped. You should be too.

Chris Paul Back in LA to Finish Unfinished Business

The news dropped like a buzzer-beater. Chris Paul is officially back in LA on a one-year deal. Clippers fans? Screaming. Old heads? Crying tears of nostalgia. Even casuals are paying attention now.

Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris, center, drives to the basket between San Antonio Spurs center Bismack Biyombo, right, and guard Chris Paul (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

At 39, CP3 still has that fire. He may not be dunking on dudes, but he’s a floor general. Still dropping dimes, still barking orders, still making teams better the second he steps on the hardwood. And now, he’s teaming back up with the franchise where he built Lob City. Only this time, it’s not about highlight reels—it’s about rings.

This return isn’t just sentimental. It’s strategic. The Clippers need a leader. A closer. A smart playmaker who won’t fold when the lights get hot. Chris Paul checks all those boxes. And now, paired with this current LA roster? It might just work.

Kawhi and PG Get Their Quarterback

Let’s talk about the foundation. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are still the two-way anchors of this squad. When healthy, they’re a nightmare for any team. But you know what they’ve lacked? A real point guard who can slow the game down, keep the offense clean, and hit clutch mid-rangers. Enter Chris Paul.

Kawhi doesn’t have to carry the ball anymore. PG can finally play off screens and catch in rhythm. CP3 brings the basketball IQ that makes the entire offense smarter. That alone could push the Clippers over the hump.

Don’t forget, this team already has depth. Bones Hyland, Norman Powell, Terance Mann—they can all hoop. Add Chris Paul’s leadership, and the vibes shift instantly from “maybe” to “why not us?”

Building the New Winning Lineup Around CP3

Let’s get into it. What could the Clippers’ starting five look like now that Chris Paul is back in LA?

PG: Chris Paul
He brings structure, vision, and that signature midrange dagger.
SG: Paul George
Still one of the smoothest scorers in the league when healthy. CP3 sets him up for greatness.
SF: Kawhi Leonard
Silent assassin mode activated. Let him lurk, let him lock up, and let him kill in the fourth.
PF: Nicolas Batum or PJ Tucker
The Clippers need a gritty stretch four. Batum’s passing is underrated. Tucker brings edge.
C: Ivica Zubac
The big man gets even better under Paul’s pick-and-roll mastery. Easy lobs and baby hooks all season long.

This lineup doesn’t just scream experience—it oozes playoff toughness. And if they stay healthy, it’s gonna be a problem.

Veteran Bench Adds More Firepower

Let’s not sleep on the bench. Russell Westbrook’s future is up in the air, but if he stays, this team has two Hall of Fame point guards. If not, the Clippers may hunt another vet backup like Tyus Jones or Dennis Smith Jr.

Then there’s Norman Powell, who can torch second units. Terance Mann is an energy guy who defends every position. And Mason Plumlee? Solid insurance in the paint.

Oh—and rumors say the Clippers are eyeing shooters like Seth Curry or Joe Ingles. Spacing + Paul = nightmare for defenses.

Clippers Betting on One Last Ride

Let’s be honest—this isn’t a rebuild. This is a championship-or-bust squad. The Clippers are betting big on the idea that CP3 still has some magic left in him. That Kawhi and PG can stay healthy. That this core, blended with IQ and toughness, can finally get over the hump.

They’re opening a new arena next season. What better way to christen it than with a deep playoff run—or even a banner?

The West is loaded, yes. But with this squad? The Clippers aren’t just in the mix. They’re real contenders.

What Could Go Wrong?

Let’s keep it real—age is a factor. Chris Paul’s hamstrings are basically held together with prayer. Kawhi is always day-to-day, and PG hasn’t had a full season in what feels like forever. If injuries strike again, this whole dream could collapse fast.

But if they stay upright—just if—this might be the smartest gamble the Clippers have made in years.