Chris Paul promises to “smile a bit more” on LA Clippers return

He may now be 40 years old, but Chris Paul isn’t done with the NBA just yet.

After an understandable dip in performances in previous seasons, Paul reiterated his status as a future Hall of Famer last year. He started all 82 regular season games for the San Antonio Spurs, enough to convince former team Los Angeles Clippers to bring about a return for 2025/26.

Earlier this month Paul officially signed a one-year, veteran minimum deal for $3.6 million to re-join the Clippers. It is a chance for Paul to continue his pursuit of a championship ring with the Clippers, where he previously played some of his best basketball.

Paul appeared in front of fans in a Clippers uniform on Monday and he was welcomed back with chants of ‘C-P-3! C-P-3!′ from the crowd. He spoke to reporters at a press conference about his hopes for the season.

“I am approaching [the season] with a lot of excitement, not necessarily what’s next,” Paul told fans. “I’m just trying to be in it.”

“You all who have seen me play for a while, I’m going to try to do better and try to smile a little bit more this year,” he continued. “I’m grateful. I’m going to come out every single night, whatever that looks like, and try to make sure I show up for the team.”

Paul added that he was impressed by the offseason work already done by the Clippers front office. The team finished with a 50-32 record last season but they were beaten by a more experienced Denver Nuggets in the first round. This season, Paul is hoping that those trades can make them genuine championship contenders.

“I’m just so excited about the moves that the team has made this offseason,” Paul said. “Brad [Beal] coming to the team, Brook Lopez, all the young guys. I talked to James [Harden], I talked to Kawhi [Leonard], and I’m even more excited about what I think we have a chance to do.”

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