Chris Paul may not have said a word about the Los Angeles Lakers, but his latest social media post did plenty of talking. Earlier this week, Chris Paul shared an Instagram video of himself draining a long string of three-pointers, captioned simply: “342…” while tagging JJ Redick with a saluting emoji. For NBA fans familiar with Redick’s routines, the reference was immediate and deliberate.
The number “342” is the name of Redick’s infamous offseason shooting workout, representing the exact number of shots he has made every Sunday for more than a decade. Redick previously explained the drill on the “Knuckleheads” podcast:
“My offseasons were six days a week, two or three workouts a day. Saturdays off. Sundays make 342 shots exactly every Sunday in the off-season for the last 13 years… There’s seven spots on the floor… plus 20 free throws, that’s 342.”
Paul and Redick spent four seasons together with the Los Angeles Clippers, so the familiarity isn’t surprising. But the timing and the tag, raised eyebrows. Redick is now in his second season as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Lakers sit near the bottom of the league in three-point efficiency at 34.4 percent.
Paul’s message didn’t explicitly ask for a roster spot. It didn’t need to. The implication was clear: he’s healthy, he’s training, and he’s still locked into the disciplined work ethic Redick has always valued.
That matters because Paul’s situation remains unresolved. On Dec. 3, 2025, the Los Angeles Clippers announced they were parting ways with the 40-year-old guard, placing him in a holding pattern as the organization explores trade or buyout options. Paul has not played since Dec. 1, when he logged eight points and three assists in a loss to Miami.
Despite previously stating this would be his final NBA season, Paul made it clear he doesn’t want his career to end in limbo. During a recent appearance on the “Good Sports with Kevin Hart and Kenan Thompson” podcast, he said:
“I’m working out, training every day. With the way all that stuff went down, I think for me, I just love this game so much that I don’t want it to end like that… I don’t know what team I hope to finish with.”
For now, Paul continues to train daily at the Clippers’ former Playa Vista facility, recently knocking down 20 straight three-pointers in another viral workout clip.
Whether his post was a subtle Lakers signal, a nod to an old teammate, or proof he’s staying ready, one thing is clear: Chris Paul isn’t treating this season like a goodbye tour yet.