CP3 and LeBron: Mirror Images?

Its no secret that Chris Paul and LeBron James are close friends, its just a fact.  They partnered up in the off season to help lead the USA to gold and they also support one anothers charities every year.  According to CP3 they are like "brothers" and one can certainly see how that bond has grown over the years of competing with and against one another. 

What people do not speak of often is how their careers are intertwined together.  Everyone knows how LeBrons exodus out of Cleveland went and CP3 publicly demanded a trade and was eventually dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers.  Those exits, while different, all lead up to this season as mirror images of one another in terms of pressure to win, and win now. 

Flashback to the off season of 2009 when the Cavs traded for Shaquille O'neal and paired him with a hungry LeBron and the Cavs roster was stacked.  Fast forward to today and the Clippers have one of the deepest and dangerous rosters in the league.  Here's a reminder.. CP3, Griffin, D. Jordan, Jamaal Crawford (via free agency), Grant Hill (via free agency), Eric Bledsoe, Chauncey Billups, Matt Barnes (via free agency), Lamar Odom (sign/trade), Caron Butler, Ronnie Turiaf (via free agency)

With a who's-who roster CP3 now will have the burden of winning in a contract year..just like LeBron had.  The problem is it did not work out for the Cavs and I have to say it might not work out for the Clippers.  Paul is playing with a full deck of cards, by far the deepest team he has ever been on (on paper) and the pressure he will face this season will be more internal than ever before.  The organization has locked up Griffin and would like to have Paul in tow as well, but he will become an un-restricted free agent next summer.  If the Clippers struggle and do not at least make it to the Western Finals (that means beating out one of these guys Lakers, Thunder, Spurs, Grizz) then I could see CP3 bolting for another contender. 

Like LeBron in 09 Paul is the best player on his team and outside of Griffin is surrounded by good (seasoned/old) role players.  Paul (like LeBron) publicized his desire to play with "friends" Carmelo and Amare in New York and I would not rule out a trade or exodus in the off season.  I don't see this working out well for the Clippers and it could be the end of CP3 in LA..at least in a Clippers uniform.  *Hint Hint*

Peace,

Agent34