One of this season’s biggest headlines was the abrupt release of Chris Paul from the LA Clippers’ roster. After the team decided to part ways with the 12-time All-Star back in December, reports emerged about Paul’s strained relationship with the coaching staff and the front office.
It was a bitter end to Paul’s second stint with the Clippers, a team that he helped turn into a playoff contender over a decade ago. It’s worth noting, then, that CP3 posted an infamous funeral meme after the Clippers lost their play-in game to Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.
The meme, of course, is commonly posted in the context of a satisfying defeat of one’s adversary. In the case of Chris Paul, there was likely a feeling of vindication after postseason misfortune struck the team that unceremoniously sent him home.
Early on in the 2025-26 campaign, Paul had announced that he would be retiring from the NBA at the end of the season. It seemed fitting that Paul would walk away from the league as a member of the Clippers, a team that helped turn into “Lob City” alongside Blake Griffin.
According to reports, Paul had butted heads with key figures like head coach Ty Lue and assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy during his stint with the Clippers this season. Though Paul had a wealth of basketball wisdom to impart to his teammates, the Clips opted to part ways with him nevertheless.
“Get Your A** Back”: Knicks Guard Recalls Funny Encounter With Chris Paul
Though Chris Paul has indeed called it a career, the memories of his fierce persona on and off the court live on in the anecdotes of NBA players.
Appearing on the “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast, Knicks guard Jose Alvarado told a story about Paul refusing to fall for his patented blindside seal.
“He told me, ‘Get your a** back.'”
Alvarado added that he eventually got one over the Point God, stealing the ball successfully from Paul in a game held in New Orleans.
