Chris Paul is feeling nostalgic about his Clippers days. Speaking recently, the veteran point guard reflected on the Lob City era with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, calling it one of the most exciting stretches of his career and admitting he still misses it.
“That’s Lob City right there. There were some great years, great times,” Paul said. “It’s crazy when you think about the games and you see that athleticism and excitement every single day. I miss it. Crazy how time flies, but it’s great to be back at home with the family and back with the Clippers.”
Chris Paul is a 40-year NBA veteran with a legacy as one of the greatest point guards in the modern NBA. At 40 years old, CP3 is not what he used to be, but he plans to make a major impact on the Clippers this season in his first year back since 2017.
When he first joined Los Angeles over 10 years ago, Paul was only 26 and just entering the prime of his career. Along with DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin, Paul led the Clippers to glory in the West, making repeated playoff appearances and threatening top contenders like the Spurs and Thunder. The nickname “Lob City” came from the team’s ability to connect on amazing alley-oops, which made them one of the most exciting and fun teams to watch during their time.
Sadly, the “Lob City” Clippers never made it past the second round of the playoffs, and the big three split up before they ever broke the cycle of mediocrity. While some blame Doc Rivers, others blame more personal conflicts for getting in the way of team success. Whatever the cause, the “Lob City” Clippers era ended just as quickly as it began, and nobody ever thought that Paul would return.
After uneventful stints with the Rockets, Suns, Thunder, and Spurs, Paul is finally back in Los Angeles, and he’s ready to pick up where he left off. With averages of 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game last season, he’s not in a position to lead the Clippers, but he can operate as an elite point guard off the bench to set up the second unit and keep the offense moving.
At the very least, Paul can share his wisdom and experience in the locker room to help establish a championship culture and bring out the best in his younger teammates. Alongside Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Bradley Beal, Chris will have plenty of help, and he may find more success this year than he ever did during the “Lob City” days.
Clearly, times have changed for both Paul and the Clippers, but they have one last chance to make history together. With a stacked roster and veteran leadership, this Clippers group is ready to deliver if they can avoid any consequences from the Aspiration scandal.
So while Chris Paul may not be throwing lobs like it’s 2013, his return to Los Angeles is a full-circle moment for one of the greatest point guards of all time. If he can steady the Clippers and give them the leadership they’ve lacked for years, his second stint could finally bring the storybook ending Lob City never got.
