NBA Notes: Clippers, Chris Paul, Lakers, LeBron James, Monte Morris

Clippers

Chris Paul says he is “at peace” with how things ended in Los Angeles and is ready for whatever comes next.

Speaking with People Magazine, Paul said he understands the Clippers’ decision to move on and is focused on finding his next NBA spot.

“More than anything, I’m excited about being around and getting a chance to play a small role in whatever anything looks like next,” Paul said.

Tyronn Lue pushed back on reports that the two weren’t speaking toward the end of Paul’s tenure. The Clippers coach told reporters that the narrative is off base.

“That ain’t true,” Lue said, via Joey Linn of SI.com. “How he gonna play and I’m not talking to him? There was a stretch when he wasn’t gonna play and be out of the rotation. It was tough for him because he’s a competitor.”

Lue added he wasn’t part of the final meeting in which team officials told Paul he was no longer welcome around the club. He acknowledged players weren’t thrilled with the decision, but said he has “no problem with Chris.”

Lakers

LeBron James looked more like LeBron James on Sunday. He poured in a season-high 29 points against Philadelphia, including 10 straight in the fourth quarter, and said afterward that his body is finally catching up to the season.

“At 40 years old, it just takes a while for my body to kind of get back into a rhythm,” James said, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “It felt good to feel like myself a little bit.”

The Lakers also expect defensive leader Marcus Smart back for Wednesday’s NBA Cup game vs. the Spurs. Smart missed six games with a back issue and said that he plans to “give it a shot” after feeling good in practice, via Mike Trudell.

International

Olympiacos is in advanced talks with veteran guard Monte Morris, per Michalis Stefanou of Eurohoops. Optimism is high the Greek club will secure a one-year deal soon.

Morris became a free agent when Indiana waived him on Nov. 21. He signed with the Pacers earlier in the month but never carved out a role due to a lingering calf injury sustained in September. The 30-year-old last played for Phoenix, averaging 5.2 points in 12.7 minutes across 45 games.

Morris has also spent time with the Nuggets, Pistons and Timberwolves. Olympiacos already features former NBA players Frank Ntilikina, Saben Lee and Evan Fournier.