Even if you’re not a Los Angeles Clippers fan, it’s hard not to give credit to the team boasting the best record in the NBA. The year has been exceptional for Chris Paul whose trade to the Lakers was blocked by NBA commissioner David Stern, sending him the the L.A. team that has struggled in the past to step out of the shadow of the almighty purple and gold.
Last week, the Clippers faced-off against the Lakers narrowly etching out a 107-102 victory. Despite being dunked on by Kobe Bryant, Paul put up 30 points, and 13 assists, to help his team earn the win.
The loss was yet another blow to the Lakers team which has struggled this season, even after firing head coach Mike Brown and replacing him with Mike D’Antoni. When asked of why things have been going so badly, Bryant was candid in response, claiming that the Lakers were simply too “old” and “slow.” The comment inadvertently opened up comparisons to the younger, faster, and more cohesive team that has been the Clippers this season.
However, according to Paul, age isn’t really factor. “I think it’s the personalities and the chemistry that we built,” he tells Hip-Hop Wired. “Even before the season started. Once guys got traded or signed with our team, I try to reach out to them, go to dinner. The thing about our team is when we go on the road –my wife knows ‘cuz she gets tired of hearing it—but as soon as we land we’re all going to dinner together. It’s not forced or anything like that, we love being around each other and sometimes our wives can’t stand it.”
No matter the reason for their continued impressive performance, being on top is always great.“It feels good to win,” Paul adds. “It’s a complete effort with us every night and it’s exciting, especially here in L.A.”
Since being drafted to the league in 2004, the North Carolina native has worked his way up the ranks, posting a healthy record with the New Orleans Hornets before heading West.
In addition to his skills on the court, the father of two is also building his brand, clocking endorsement deals with big name companies like Jordan Brand, State Farm Insurance, and Powerade. He also appears in a new commercial, directed by Spike Lee.“It was great [to work with Lee]. Spike is a really close friend of mine. I’ve known Spike since I came into the league and anything he does [is] always very creative and doing it [the commercial] with Magic Johnson and Steve Nash, it’s really cool to be a part of it.”
The Clippers will continue to defend their record tonight when they play the Dallas Mavericks at the Los Angels Staples Center.
