Bradley Beal is rocking Chris Paul’s No. 3 this season for the Clippers, a move that absolutely blindsided the entire NBA universe who thought that jersey was heading straight to the rafters at Intuit Dome. Seriously, this isn’t some minor uniform change, it’s a monumental slap in the face to a franchise icon. Paul last wore that number in 2025, and now it’s on someone else’s back, as if his incredible tenure with the team meant nothing.
Clippers’ Latest Move Is a Total Head-Scratcher
This isn’t just another small slip-up for the Clippers, it’s a big, fat nail in the coffin of what has been a rough exit for Paul. Imagine the utter blasphemy if, after the Lakers traded Anthony Davis in February 2025, they then let Deandre Ayton wear Davis’s No. 3. That would be insane, right? Well, the Clippers just pulled that stunt with Paul, perhaps on an even grander scale. Think about it: Paul was, relative to the history of the Clippers franchise, infinitely more impactful than Davis was to the Lakers, even with Davis getting that title. And yet, the Clippers treated Paul like he never even existed, sending him on his way and then letting Bradley Beal take his number. It’s truly mind-boggling. This is another crazy wrinkle in what has been a tumultuous offseason for them.
The Lakers Show How to Treat a Legend
The timing of this Clippers misstep is even wilder because, on the exact same day, the Lakers announced their 2026-27 season promotional schedule. And what did that include? A 2020 championship replica ring giveaway scheduled for when they host Anthony Davis and the Washington Wizards on Sunday, January 24. They’re honoring the six-year-old Finals win with one of its most important figures, even after a departure that had its bitter moments. The Lakers know what’s up with their history.
Remember when the Lakers traded Davis in 2025? It was kept so quiet that it blindsided him, and he rightfully felt betrayed, saying “They traded me” in the team’s group chat. Davis probably expected to retire in purple and gold, like nearly every Lakers fan did. But despite that rough patch, the Lakers are making sure Davis’s place in franchise history is secure. Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss even handled LeBron James’s departure with grace. This is how you honor a player, even if the business side of the NBA means tough goodbyes.
The Lakers understand that celebrating their past is key. When Davis and the Wizards come to town on January 24, it won’t just be another game. It’ll be a night to look back and appreciate what he brought to the team, a stark contrast to how the Clippers are handling their own franchise icon. You know AD will feel that love from the fans.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Silver Screen and Roll.
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