Chris Paul Decides On Option, Wants To Stay With L.A. Clippers Next Season

When Chris Paul landed in Los Angeles this past December, traded from the New Orleans Hornets to the Clippers in a preseason blockbuster, he had one year left on his contract and a big decision to make about his future. Now, he says, that decision is a done deal -- he wants to pick up his option and stay for another season.

"[The decision] didn't take long," Paul said today in an interview with Jim Rome. "It didn't take long at all. When you go to play somewhere for a season, it always helps to be around good people. Blake Griffin definitely changed the culture around here, and DeAndre Jordan, this is a great group of guys. Not only is basketball going well, but this is a great group of guys."

Paul has quickly vaulted the Clippers into the national spotlight -- a laughingstock last season, the Clips are now atop the Pacific Division at 20-11, regarded as a serious threat to represent the West in the NBA Finals. Paul is averaging 19.2 points, 8.6 assists and 2.3 steals per game and making a real case for his first MVP.