Chris Paul liked Clippers over Lakers

Updated: September 20, 2012, 9:41 AM ET
By Arash Markazi | ESPNLosAngeles.com

Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul, who is featured on the covers of October's GQ, told the magazine he actually preferred being traded to the Clippers rather than the Los Angeles Lakers last year.

"They had the better pieces," Paul said. "And winning with the Clippers would be legendary."

Last year NBA commissioner David Stern nixed a trade that would have sent Paul from the then league-owned New Orleans Hornets to the Lakers in a package that would have included Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. A week later he was traded to the Clippers instead.

Paul also said he was still irritated about being patted on the head by Gasol when the Lakers played the Clippers last season, causing the two to be separated in the waning seconds of the game.

"We call that sonnin'," Paul said. "Like when I take Li'l Chris to the bathroom, I'll walk with my hand on his head. That's my son. You know what I mean? I understand that Gasol is that tall, but don't do to me what I do to my son."

The Clippers' training camp begins Oct. 1. The Clippers will play the Lakers in a preseason game Oct. 24 and their first regular-season game will be Nov. 2.

Arash Markazi

ESPNLosAngeles.com

SPONSORED HEADLINES

EDITORS' PICKS

  • Talks Break Down
    The Clippers just might be done in their trade talks with the Boston Celtics.
  • Repeat Performance
    UCLA moved a step closer to a College World Series title after beating NC State.
  • Where Does He Stand?
    What is the latest in the Lakers' quest to re-sign Dwight Howard?
  • Kershaw's Worth
    A look at Clayton Kershaw's projections shows he's worth the rich deal he'll likely get.
  • Room For Improvement
    USC checks in at No. 25 on the inaugural college football future power rankings.

MORE NBA HEADLINES