LOS ANGELES >> With a mid-range jump shot 30 seconds into Saturday’s 115-104 victory over the Lakers, Blake Griffin became the first Clippers player to reach 10,000 points with the franchise.
For an organization with a barren collection of history, the scoring milestone was representative of all Griffin has meant to the Clippers. Across the court were the Lakers, with 10 players in team history to score 10,000 points in the purple and gold.
The Clippers have Griffin.
At least for now.
The five-time All-Star can opt out of his contract at the end of the season, as can Chris Paul, a fact adding to the possible long-term ramifications of another early playoff exit this spring.