Former LA Clippers, J.J. Redick and Chris Paul, sat down to chat and reminisce about their time together in Los Angeles.
Chris Paul and J.J. Redick sat down recently to have a chat on JJ’s podcast with The Ringer. They talked about a few things, ranging from CP’s recent injuries, beefing with Rajon Rondo, as well as the mental health of NBA players in today’s world. All very interesting and certainly deserving of a listen, but probably not quite as interesting to LA Clippers fans as their chat about the ‘Lob City’ Clippers (starting around 32 minutes into the podcast).
The guys begin by throwing it back to a couple of painful playoff defeats to Oklahoma City and Houston. Talking about just how much of a bummer those were. Luckily, they gloss over those pretty quickly and lead into a nice talk about how the Lob City guys do still keep in touch for the most part. CP noting unsurprisingly that he and DeAndre Jordan talk almost every day. Also adding that he and Clippers training camp legend, Joe Ingles, actually talk pretty regularly as well.
In what to some might find to be a bit profound, Chris continues to say in regards to the countless reports on Lob City’s interpersonal relationships,
"“As much as people always write our story of when we were in L.A., I miss you guys. You know what I mean? Like, fam. Jamal (Crawford) just texted me the other night and was like, ‘Famlay’– when you read a text from him, you can hear him say it. He said, you’re looking good out there, man. So, like– I miss you guys. Honestly, I do.”"
This would run a bit counter to what a lot of people would have you believe about the Lob City Clippers, but it appears that they didn’t all hate each other and that portions of their careers after all. Well– Glen Davis might, but that’s a completely different story.
J.J. then adding,
"“I just saw D.J. (DeAndre Jordan). And D.J. and I texted a bunch after he got traded in those first few days. We played them right after that and we spent some time together before the game. Basically, that was the sentiment, just that we missed each other.”"
In regards to the big summer of 2017 in which Chris Paul was traded and the decision was made to part ways with Redick, J.J. says that for probably the first nine to twelve months, he wasn’t in a place where he could look back fondly on their time together in L.A for a multitude of reasons. A sentiment that I’m sure a lot of the core Lob City players would echo. However, he goes on to say that his feelings on the subject have since changed.
Having allowed some time to pass and heal some of those proverbial wounds, J.J. says,
"“I look back at that and I’m like, what an amazing period of time in my life. What an amazing team team to be on.”"
Even referencing how the Lob City Clippers were perceived around the league by other players. Adding, “You should hear the guys in Philly talk about our team, man.” Provoking a surprised, “What?” from CP, as if couldn’t imagine what other players might have to say about them. Redick replying proudly, “Just how good we were!”
The two continued, reflecting on one of the funnier memories they had with the Clippers. In which a play that they used to run, called ’21’, was being called out by Chris while they were standing at the free-throw line. Only, in an effort to disguise the call, Chris yelled out, “Savage!” That being in reference to musical artist, 21 Savage. Looking around to make sure everyone got the call, he received a nod from Blake and confirmation from DeAndre. But when it came to J.J., he was just standing there, holding his arms out in utter confusion. Not the slightest idea of what Chris was talking about.
J.J. tried to defend his confusion at the time with the fact that 21 Savage was a relatively new artist, but Chris wasn’t letting him off the hook. Concluding this particular story by saying that they wound up having to completely change the fake name of their play to, “Chester Arthur,” the name of the 21st president of the United States, because they knew J.J. would understand that one.
The conversation then moved on to the subject of Doc Rivers. J.J. saying that in his time away from the Clippers, he’s come to realize that Doc had many, “nuggets of wisdom.” Chris agreeing all the while as J.J. adds that he’s gone on to use them in his everyday life. Both guys remarking at how much fun they had scheming up plays with Doc.
Hella random, but just hearing about CP and JJ's convo, just playing against DJ, always staying in touch with BG. Playing Doc and the Clips not too long ago.. Would you guys years from now watch a 30 for 30 " Lob City"??
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) March 8, 2019
Finally, reacting to this conversation between Chris and J.J., Jamal Crawford decided to chime in on Twitter with something that might excite Clippers fans more than anything in the podcast itself.
Would you all watch that 30 for 30? We definitely would.