NBA Player Power Rankings: Rested LeBron James Thriving

Dec 4, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) against the New Orleans Pelicans during overtime of a game at the Smoothie King Center.The Pelicans defeated the Cavaliers 114-108 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 25, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) reacts during an NBA game against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mention: Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers
Last Rank: N/A
Position: Point Guard
Age: 30
Slash Line: .459/.357/.878
Season Averages: 31.6 MPG, 16.9 PPG, 8.6 APG, 3.4 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 1.2 3PM

After completing the full 82-game season in 2014-15, Chris Paul has already missed five of the Los Angeles Clippers’ 22 outings in 2015-16. When Paul has been available, injuries have prevented him from developing any semblance of a rhythm.

There’s no better way to get back into the discussion than to flirt with 20 and 20 in a road win over a quality opponent.

CP3 was brilliant against the the Milwaukee Bucks, recording 18 points and 18 assists on 7-of-13 shooting. He sealed the game with five points in the final 2:02, thus helping Los Angeles reach 13-9—a top-four record in the Western Conference.

When Paul is healthy, the Clippers are contenders.

The issue moving forward will be just that: remaining healthy. Paul is a warrior, but he’s had trouble with injuries in the past, and is already battling them early in 2015-16.

For what it’s worth, Los Angeles is 11-6 with Paul and 2-3 without him.

Next: Return to Prominence