Many wondered how the Los Angeles Lakers were going to perform this season with uncertainty surrounding Kobe Bryant’s return from injury and Dwight Howard’s departure in free agency.
With constant injuries and lineup changes, the outcome of this season has been an unfortunate one as the team has been out of playoff contention for quite some time.
With the Lakers struggling the past couple of seasons, many still think about the failed Chris Paul trade in 2011. While the Clippers are headed for the playoffs, Chris Paul was on Power 106 on Tuesday morning to discuss numerous topics.
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When asked about his previous comments about Los Angeles still being a Laker town, Paul said the Clippers aren’t trying to take anything away from their cross-town rivals except to win a championship:
“Man, we don’t have enough time. You know, to tell you the truth, we’re not trying to take anything from the Lakers or anything like that, other than to win a championship.”
Three seasons have passed, but Paul also mentioned that Lakers fans still let him know that he should’ve been a Laker:
“Everyday. Just about.”
Since arriving in Los Angeles, the 28-year-old guard from Wake Forest has been able to rejuvenate the Clippers franchise with Blake Griffin by his side. He also became the first Clipper to be named to the All-NBA First Team since the franchise moved to Los Angeles in 1984.
With the Lakers and Clippers headed in different directions this season, many wonder where the franchise would be if David Stern did not veto the trade. However, with ample cap room and a high draft pick, the Lakers can quickly turn it around as soon as this off-season.
In 52 games, Paul is averaging 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 10.9 assists this season.
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