Chris Paul Los Angeles Clippers Reunion Ends Amid Tensions

Merlin sees that Chris Paul’s short lived reunion with the Los Angeles Clippers unraveled slowly rather than in a single blow. As one source told Ramona Shelburne, "There really wasn't one thing." Paul had "a few arguments" with coach Tyronn Lue and assistant Jeff Van Gundy, and president Lawrence Frank met with him "multiple" times. With reports that Paul may retire at the end of the season, the team had little reason to prolong a partnership that was not working. Merlin notes that some returns are charming in theory and poisonous in practice. This was less a scandal and more a clash of fit and timing. The Clippers now look poised to move on and protect the locker room, while Paul heads toward the final pages of a storied career.