Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick offered a candid take on former Clippers teammate Chris Paul following the veteran point guard’s announcement that he will retire after the 2025-26 season. While Redick acknowledged Paul as “the ultimate winner,” he admitted his own competitive ego complicates how he views Paul’s pursuit of a first NBA championship.
“I hate saying this: I hope he doesn’t win an NBA championship because that would mean the Clippers win an NBA championship and we don’t,” Redick said, per LoJo Media’s X. “But, to me, he’s the ultimate winner. There are guys that have never won a championship that, to me, are the ultimate winners, and that’s who Chris Paul is.”
Redick’s remarks reflect the rivalry inherent between the Lakers and Clippers, especially given the potential sting of seeing the Clippers lift a trophy while LeBron James and Luka Dončić lead the Lakers from afar.
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Clippers’ Struggles Dim Championship Hopes
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For now, Redick’s worries appear minimal. The Clippers are 5-11 and sitting 12th in the Western Conference, hampered by age and injuries, including Bradley Beal’s season-ending hip setback. Even with Kawhi Leonard returning this Sunday against Cleveland after missing over two weeks, ESPN’s Shams Charania notes that the roster may still lack the depth to contend for a title.
Paul, who has been an elite point guard for over two decades, may need a “change of scenery” to secure the championship that has eluded him—a scenario that could further complicate Redick’s feelings toward his former teammate.
Lakers Salute to the Point God
While Redick’s perspective mixes admiration with rivalry, Lakers star LeBron James took a simpler approach. Posting on Instagram, he saluted Paul with a straightforward tribute:
“POINT GOD!!! Been a helluva ride. [Salute emoji]”
James and Paul’s connection runs deep, including two Olympic gold medals together with Team USA in 2008 and 2012. Their paths will cross again soon, with the Lakers facing Paul and the Clippers in an NBA Cup matchup Tuesday.
Redick’s remarks underline the complex emotions at play when fierce competitors respect one another’s greatness—but also can’t help but hope the other falls short in the standings. For the Lakers’ coach, Paul is both a legend and a reminder of what it would sting to see in the wrong jersey.