LeBron James has three “very good friends” in the NBA, and Chris Paul is among them.
But congratulating an indirect opponent on his big night? Stars are soft these days! Did Michael Jordan have any friends? Does Kobe Bryant even fraternize with teammates? It’s no wonder that James only has two championships and four MVP awards. Just imagine if he had a killer instinct!
We don’t actually think that, of course. Instead, LeBron’s social media message to Paul following the latter’s epic 41-point, 17-assist, 1-turnover outing in a 126-122 win over the Portland Trail Blazers last night is one of the many reasons why love the NBA.
James is right, too – people really do seem to have forgotten about the Point God this season, and it’s not at all his fault. Improved play from his positional peers has simply made Paul’s sustained brilliance boring to the national audience, an example of fan recency bias that’s all too familiar in the league.
Another reason for Paul’s perceived slippage in the point guard and individual player hierarchy is more justified: the fact that he’s yet to advance past the second-round of the playoffs since joining the Los Angeles Clippers in 2011-2012. Will this be the season he gets his talented team over that hump?
We’re dubious, but that doubt has nothing to do with Paul’s performance. The Clippers are just clearly in the second-tier of Western Conference contenders behind the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs.
Fortunately for Doc Rivers, the presence of a force like Paul always gives a seemingly inferior team the chance to win a playoff series it shouldn’t. And if he helps Los Angeles to the Conference Finals, it’s safe to say he won’t need James reminding the public of his status – Paul’s play will serve as overwhelming evidence.
