INGLEWOOD — For Chris Paul, this game will be more of a homecoming than another home opener.

As he walks out on the court at the Intuit Dome on Friday night to face the Phoenix Suns, the 20-year veteran point guard will no doubt see a host of new faces and plenty of old friends, those who remember his early days with the franchise.

Paul played six seasons with the Clippers (2011-2017) and, along with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, transformed the franchise from a comedic joke to annual playoff participants and title contenders. Paul’s reasons for returning to the team this summer were three-fold: a chance to play at home, the talent on this season’s roster and an opportunity to chase the NBA title that has eluded the future Hall of Famer and the Clippers.

“Being able to show up for y

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