On Friday, the NBA world learned that All-NBA guard and former Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul will step away from the game of basketball.
The 40-year-old guard announced his retirement ahead of the All-Star festivities.
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“This is it! After 21 years I’m stepping away from basketball. As I write this, it’s hard to really know what to feel, but for once — most people would be surprised — I don’t have the answer lo!” Paul posted to Instagram on Friday afternoon. “But, mostly I’m filled with so much joy and gratitude!
“While this chapter of being an ‘NBA player’ is done, the game of basketball will forever be engrained in the DNA of my life.”
Dec 13, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Chris Paul watches during the Emirates NBA Cup semifinals game between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
What Did Chris Paul Mean for the NBA?
Paul is well on his way to the Hall of Fame. The former Wake Forest product has had a massive impact on the game after 20-plus seasons in the league.
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A handful of NBA players shared their thoughts on Paul and his legendary career, including Grizzlies guard Jaylen Wells.
Wells reminisced on Paul’s career and shared what he thinks about the 12-time All-Star.
“As a kid, my first memory just thinking was with Lob City in LA,” Wells said. “He’s brought a lot of excitement to the game and a lot of knowledge to the game.”
Paul’s good friend and fellow All-NBA member, Carmelo Anthony, also reminisced on Paul’s legendary career.
“It’s CP,” Anthony said. “We can’t downplay our point guard. We are in his building. I know he didn’t build this building, but this program and this organization. When you think about this organization, you think about Chris Paul.”
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“Forget all the other narratives, or everything that everybody is trying to come up with all of a sudden, he’s been CP,” Anthony added.
Paul will go down as one of the best to ever play the point guard position. He finishes his career averaging 16.8 points per game and sits second all-time in assists (12,552) and second all-time in steals (2,728).
The post NBA Players React to Chris Paul Retirement at All-Star Weekend appeared first on LA Sports Report.