The Clippers signed Chris Paul and Bradley Beal, who’ve both worn No. 3 throughout their careers, but there won’t be a battle over who gets the number in L.A., writes Jay Dieffenbach of The Arizona Republic. Entering possibly the final season of his long career, Paul will be able to keep his signature number and his “CP3” nickname.
“Once Brad heard it’s a possibility Chris was coming, he said, ‘I want to give him my number,’ and I don’t even think Chris knows this yet,” president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said in a conference call with reporters. “It’s awesome that Brad made such a great gesture like that. … Brad is such a great guy and an awesome teammate. … He knows what that jersey means to Chris. There’s a reason why he’s CP3.”
Paul has a history with the number and the franchise, wearing it from 2011 to 2017 when he was a perennial All-Star. Frank said Beal hasn’t decided yet what number he will choose.
There’s more from the Pacific Division:
- In a Threads exchange with radio host Colin Cowherd, Brian Windhorst of ESPN sheds some light on the uneasy relationship between LeBron James and the Lakers since the arrival of Luka Doncic. “A lot has changed for LBJ in the last year,” Windhorst wrote. “A year ago the Lakers were offering him a multi-year deal with a player option, drafted and guaranteed Bronny a long-term deal and LBJ was offering to give up money to work with free agents. Now Luka is centerpiece of franchise & the transition has shocked & strained everyone & they’re all dealing with the new reality. That’s playing out partially in real time and in some public. At the end of the day, I think LBJ wants to be a Laker.” James’ agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, said in a Summer League interview that James hasn’t asked the team for a trade.
- Bronny James‘ improvement was the most significant development for the Lakers‘ Summer League squad, observes Khobi Price of The Orange County Register. James averaged 14.2 points, 3.8 assists and 2.8 rebounds in Las Vegas and was able to attack opposing defenses with more confidence than he showed a year ago. However, he only shot 29.6% from three-point range and still needs to become more consistent on defense, Price adds.
- Kings first-round pick Nique Clifford talked about his first Summer League experience and his expectations for his rookie season in an interview with Sean Cunningham of KCRA News in Sacramento (Twitter video link).
- The Suns, who claimed Jordan Goodwin off waivers earlier today, knew there was at least one other team planning to submit a claim for the former Lakers guard and weren’t sure they’d land him, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 (Twitter link). Waiver priority is determined by last season’s record, with the worst teams getting first dibs.
I hate to see Doncic on the Lakers I really do as I hate the Lakers but he’s their future and now . James and is son are not . we know if James goes his son does to and honestly the Lakers are better off without both . they can use the extra money to build around Doncic
Good move by Beal giving up #3 to Chris.
Good sign as real teammate. I have never been a Harden guy. I like to see Clippers do well. Imo they are better than last year. And have real talent that have plenty to prove. Like nobody believes in this team. They have plenty motivation to do well. They will be a tough team. Best team in LA for sure.
*Oldest team in LA for sure.
Long time Wizards fan…I think the people who have followed Beal’s career (rather than just foaming at the mouth about him exercising his no-trade clause last year) know that he’s a good dude. I think you’d be hard pressed to find teammates or front office guys or journalists who actually have contact with the guy who would say anything other than positive things about him as a teammate or locker room presence. Things didn’t work out in Phoenix – it was a bad fit, they made a couple of coaching hires that didn’t work, and he has had some lingering soft tissue injuries that have slowed him down as he aged. But I think Clippers fans and players will love having him there and at that price he is an absolute steal. Expect a similar shape of production to Powell, but at a fraction of the cost.
what an unbelievably heartwarming and heroic gesture from brad beal! a true inspiration for all mankind. its amazing that someone could be that kind and selfless. hopefully Trump does the right thing and gives him the Presidential Medal of Honor asap
I hope you are being sarcastic! Trump would never give a person of color any award unless the person swore total loyalty to him!
We all know the only reason BB was difficult with the Suns is because Coach Bud is a baby-eater and Satanist. How moving it was to see him stand his ground against such an evil man and organization.