Future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul has announced that his 21st season in the league will be his last. The Los Angeles Clippers guard made the announcement on social media before facing the Charlotte Hornets in his home state of North Carolina. He posted a career retrospective video with the caption, “Back in NC!!! What a ride…Still so much left…GRATEFUL for this last one!!” ESPN’s Shams Charania confirmed the 40 year old’s decision to retire following this final campaign.

LeBron James led the wave of tributes from the basketball world almost immediately. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar reposted an announcement from the sports magazine SLAM, adding his own heartfelt message for his longtime friend. “POINT GOD!!! Been a helluva ride. 🫡” James wrote. The two legends share a deep bond that dates back to their teenage years and includes winning two Olympic gold medals together as teammates in 2008 and 2012.

Other notable figures from across the NBA quickly shared their admiration for the retiring star. Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young posted a touching message calling Paul an “OKC Hornets Legend” ahead of the game in Charlotte. Veteran scorer Jamal Crawford, who played alongside Paul, rightly referred to him by his famous nickname. The personal tributes extended beyond the court to his family, with his wife Jada Paul reposting his announcement to her own social media with the words, “Helluva career! Helluva ride! So proud of you.”

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