Paul’s family, based in LA since Paul was traded to the Clippers from New Orleans in December 2011, was in the front row. While the 40-year-old Paul could choose to end his career after this season, it is not something he is committing to now.

Paul frequently glanced down at his family sitting in the first row — wife Jada, 16-year-old son Chris Jr. and 12-year-old daughter Camryn. They continued living in Los Angeles when he left the Clippers six years ago. That led to watching their father on TV and sharing quick phone conversations before school.

C hris Paul's re-introduction to Los Angeles ended up being more emotional than he expected, with hundreds of Clippers fans chanting "C-P-3."It's kind of wild, kind of crazy," Paul said of the experience. "Still kind of speechless."