Clippers legend, 12-time All-Star hints at joining Lakers after subtle shoutout to JJ Redick
In the modern NBA, roster moves are often foreshadowed by cryptic emojis and social media breadcrumbs, but Chris Paul’s latest activity was hardly subtle. The 12-time All-Star, currently in professional limbo after being exiled by the Los Angeles Clippers, posted a workout video this weekend that functioned less as a fitness update and more as a direct job application submitted to JJ Redick.
The video featured the 40-year-old "Point God" draining twenty consecutive three-pointers, but the caption—"342" accompanied by a salute emoji and a tag to the Los Angeles Lakers head coach—told the real story. For league insiders, "342" is instantly recognizable as Redick’s signature offseason shooting benchmark, a grueling drill that defined his work ethic during his playing days. By publicly adopting his former teammate's specific regimen, Paul is signaling that he is not only physically ready but also philosophically aligned with Redick’s culture.
The timing of this digital salute is meticulous. Paul has been away from the team since early December, when the Clippers front office informed him he was no longer part of their rotation plans. As the franchise pivots toward a youth movement, Paul sits in an uncomfortable stasis, awaiting a likely buyout that would grant him free agency. Meanwhile, the Lakers are navigating the mid-season grind, desperately searching for a steady hand to organize the second unit and reduce the heavy playmaking burden on LeBron James.
The connection between Paul and Redick, who formed the starting backcourt of the "Lob City" Clippers era, remains robust. Redick has frequently cited Paul’s basketball IQ as a major influence on his own transition to coaching. From a basketball perspective, the fit is undeniable; despite his age, Paul remains an elite decision-maker capable of stabilizing an offense that often stagnates when James sits. If a buyout materializes, this "342" post suggests Paul has his eyes locked on the purple and gold. In a league where smoke usually indicates fire, this social media signal implies the "Banana Boat" crew might finally assemble in Los Angeles for one last championship pursuit.
The video featured the 40-year-old "Point God" draining twenty consecutive three-pointers, but the caption—"342" accompanied by a salute emoji and a tag to the Los Angeles Lakers head coach—told the real story. For league insiders, "342" is instantly recognizable as Redick’s signature offseason shooting benchmark, a grueling drill that defined his work ethic during his playing days. By publicly adopting his former teammate's specific regimen, Paul is signaling that he is not only physically ready but also philosophically aligned with Redick’s culture.
The timing of this digital salute is meticulous. Paul has been away from the team since early December, when the Clippers front office informed him he was no longer part of their rotation plans. As the franchise pivots toward a youth movement, Paul sits in an uncomfortable stasis, awaiting a likely buyout that would grant him free agency. Meanwhile, the Lakers are navigating the mid-season grind, desperately searching for a steady hand to organize the second unit and reduce the heavy playmaking burden on LeBron James.
The connection between Paul and Redick, who formed the starting backcourt of the "Lob City" Clippers era, remains robust. Redick has frequently cited Paul’s basketball IQ as a major influence on his own transition to coaching. From a basketball perspective, the fit is undeniable; despite his age, Paul remains an elite decision-maker capable of stabilizing an offense that often stagnates when James sits. If a buyout materializes, this "342" post suggests Paul has his eyes locked on the purple and gold. In a league where smoke usually indicates fire, this social media signal implies the "Banana Boat" crew might finally assemble in Los Angeles for one last championship pursuit.
