Doc Rivers optimistic about Clippers’ future despite Chris Paul’s departure, deep Western Conference

LAS VEGAS – The Clippers lost Chris Paul, an All-Star player who helped the franchise morph from a punch line into a playoff-caliber team and converted at least some previously indifferent Angelenos into fervent followers of “Lob City.”
Thanks to a variety of injuries and hiccups once the playoffs started, the Clippers could never advance past the Western Conference semifinals, even with Paul leading the way for six seasons. Nonetheless, the Clippers still considered retaining