The recent signing of 12-time NBA All-Star Chris Paul by the LA Clippers has sent ripples through the league, prompting reactions from former teammates and fans alike. Among those sharing their thoughts is DeAndre Jordan, whose history with Paul in Los Angeles defines an unforgettable era for the franchise. This move marks a significant homecoming for Paul, potentially allowing him to conclude his illustrious career where some of his most memorable moments unfolded.
Paul’s initial tenure with the Clippers spanned six seasons, from 2011 to 2017, a period during which he solidified his status as one of the game’s premier point guards. During this time, he consistently ranked among the top contenders for NBA MVP, earned multiple All-Star selections, and received numerous All-NBA and All-Defensive team honors. Despite these individual accolades and team success, the Western Conference Finals remained elusive for Paul’s Clippers squads, a notable gap in his impressive resume.
It was during this era that Paul, DeAndre Jordan, and Blake Griffin formed the formidable “Lob City” trio, a nickname synonymous with their electrifying, high-flying style of play. Their undeniable chemistry, particularly between Paul and Jordan, created some of the most spectacular highlights in recent NBA history, revolutionizing the alley-oop and captivating audiences worldwide with their dynamic pick-and-roll offense.
Jordan, the last remaining piece of the original “Lob City” core to depart the Clippers, recently completed a three-year stint with the Denver Nuggets. While his future remains uncertain as an unrestricted free agent, his recent commentary on the Clippers’ Instagram post welcoming Chris Paul back underscores the enduring bond between the former teammates and the widespread sentiment surrounding Paul’s return to Los Angeles.
The sentiment wasn’t limited to DeAndre Jordan; other notable NBA figures like Richard “Rip” Hamilton and Quentin Richardson also expressed their excitement on social media. Their reactions highlight the respect and camaraderie Paul has cultivated throughout his career, and the collective appreciation for his impact on the game, particularly during his time with the Clippers.
The on-court synergy between Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan was particularly instrumental in shaping Jordan’s career. Paul’s exceptional playmaking skills consistently set up Jordan for easy dunks, allowing the big man to lead the NBA in field goal percentage for five consecutive seasons from 2012-13 to 2016-17. Jordan currently holds the highest career field goal percentage in NBA history at an astonishing 67.4%, a testament to their incredibly efficient partnership.
Even after his prime “Lob City” years, DeAndre Jordan contributed valuable depth to the Denver Nuggets, notably supporting superstar center Nikola Jokic. During his three seasons in Denver, Jordan provided a reliable presence in the frontcourt, averaging 4.2 points and 4.9 rebounds in limited minutes, while maintaining an impressive 68.1% shooting efficiency from the field.
The return of Chris Paul to the LA Clippers not only reignites memories of a thrilling chapter in franchise history but also prompts contemplation on the full circle of a legendary career. It’s a move that resonates deeply with former teammates like DeAndre Jordan, who bore witness to and significantly contributed to Paul’s impactful tenure in Los Angeles, forever etching “Lob City” into NBA lore.
