Chris Paul is headed to Los Angeles! But unfortunately, not to the Los Angeles basketball team everyone was hoping for.

The NBA announced today that the New Orleans Hornets have traded Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Clippers in a deal that will give them guard Eric Gordon, forward Al-Farouq Aminu, center Chris Kaman and a first-round draft choice.

Unlike the proposed Lakers deal, this new one with the Clippers was approved by NBA Commissioner David Stern, who, according to AP, must approve all deals regarding teams owned by the league.

The Chris Paul trade deal also includes New Orleans sending two future second-round draft picks to the Clippers.

READ: Chris Paul, Lamar Odom Trade Blocked by NBA Commissioner David Stern

26-year-old Chris Pau is a four-time All-Star who averaged 18.7 points and 9.8 assists last season.

Eric Gordon, who turns 23 on Christmas Day, averaged 22.3 points last season, while 21-year-old Al-Farouq Aminu, who stands at 6-foot-9, is a second-year pro, and the 7-foot Chris Kaman, 29, is an 8-year NBA veteran.

According to USA Today, Chris Paul will make $16.3 million this season alone while becoming the franchises most significant free agent acquisition since relocating to Los Angeles back in 1984.

Paul is also expected to sign an extension with the Clippers, who would own his “Bird rights.”

Under the new collective bargaining agreement, Paul can sign a five-year extension with the Clippers for $100.2 million, USA Today reported.

[USA Today, AP]

What do you think about the Chris Paul trade?

The year 2011 has seen lots of ups and downs for NBA fans, and after it was announced that the National Basketball League would be returning near the end of this month with the first games of the season to go down on Christmas Day (Sun. Dec 25) … fans were excited!

NBA fans — especially Lakers fans — were even more enthused this week when the league announced that the Los Angeles Lakers would be trading Lamar Odom to the New Orleans Hornets in exchange for Chris Paul.

However, that excitement quickly turned into disappointment once another announcement was made yesterday (Thu. Dec 8) that NBA commissioner David Stern had blocked the trade after receiving complaints from several owners of other NBA teams.

Citing anonymous sources, Yahoo Sports reported yesterday that Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was very vocal about being upset about the deal, which was done on the same day as the end of the lockout, which was supposed to restore competitive balance in the league.

The proposed deal would have sent Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol from the Los Angeles Lakers to the New Orleans Hornets and the Houston Rockets, respectively.

Someone close to the situation told the Associated Press that Chris Paul reported to practice with the Hornets on Friday (Dec. 9), and Gasol and Odom are expected to attend the Lakers’ first day of training camp under new coach Mike Brown.

For now, it looks like Chris Paul for remain a Hornet, and Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol will remain Lakers.

Last Thursday (Apr 14), Hornets point guard Chris Paul became the luckiest son of a bitch when rap superstar Nicki Minaj pulled him on stage and proceeded to give him the lap dance of a lifetime during a recent concert performance in New Orleans.

Check out Nicki throwing it back on Chris below:

Lucky bastard!

Lil Wayne put his bowling skills to good use in his hometown Tuesday (Dec 14) as he joined NBA player Chris Paul (of the New Orleans Hornets) for the Celebrity Bowling Invitational, which was put together by the PBA (Professional Bowlers Association), at Riverboat Lanes in New Orleans.

Wayne, who has been bowling since he was a teenager, has said in the past that he owns four custom-made bowling balls.

“If you talk to a professional bowler, he would explain or she’ll explain how your own ball and your own shoes, and perfect lanes are important,” Wayne told CBS news anchor, Katie Couric in an interview last year. “I bowl with the curve and so it makes it curve.”

Other celebs on hand for the charity event were rapper Nelly, New Orleans Saints football player Reggie Bush, and Young Money president Mack Maine (not pictured) who cheered from the sidelines. The event is scheduled to air on ESPN on Super Bowl Sunday.

Check out the pics below!

Ludacris (with the help of some of his celebrity friends) hosted his annual all star celebrity basketball game in conjunction with his LudaDay Weekend festivities over Labor Day Weekend in Atlanta.

Sunday (Sep 5) at the 5th Annual LudaDay Weekend Celebrity Basketball Tournament, held at Morehouse College’s Forbes Arena in Atlanta, Luda, Chris Brown, Chris Paul and Terrence J‘s team (with Larenz Tate as assistant coach) competed against Nelly, Polow Da Don and Sammie‘s team (coached by Teyana Taylor with Kenyon Martin as the assistant coach) with Luda’s team taking the win at the final buzzer.

Other celebs spotted at the 5th Annual LudaDay Weekend Celebrity Basketball Tournament were Kelly Rowland, Lance Gross, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Bow Wow, Ne-Yo. And at the end of the game, Luda’s non-profit (The Ludacris Foundation) was presented with a $25,000 donation from AirTran.

Check out 20+ pics below of celebs ballin’ and wrapping up LudaDay Weekend 2010…

Photos: FreddyO / Wire Image

Rapper T.I. and his wife Tiny were boo’d up Friday night (Aug 13) at the Axe Lounge in Southampton, New York. The happy couple just got married last month in Miami.

NBA ballers Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade attended the Jordan Brand Breakfast Club Finale during the World Basketball Festival at Rucker Park in New York City.

Jermaine Dupri was in DJ mode at the WWE SummerSlam Kickoff Party at the Tropicana Bar at The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood.

Singer Ke$ha, who is currently on tour with Rihanna, recorded an appearance/concert on NBC’s “Today Show” at the Rockefeller Center in NYC.

Actress/TV personality Tori Spelling hosted a book-signing for her new book “Unchartered Terri-TORI” at Borders bookstore in Town Square in Las Vegas, NV.

Actresses Sanaa Lathan and Jurnee Smollett attended the 9th Annual InStyle Summer Soiree Thursday (Aug 12) in Los Angeles.

Carmelo Anthony and rapper Jadakiss partied it up at Greenhouse in New York City at the after-party for Rihanna‘s concert earlier that night at Madison Square Garden. (Check out home boy in the back trying to sneak into the picture! LOL!!)

Denzel Washington and his wife Pauletta posed for pics on the red carpet of the 10th Annual Harold Pump Foundation Gala in Century City, CA.

And rappers/actors Bow Wow and Ice Cube kicked it at the after-party following the premiere of their new movie “The Lottery Ticket” in Hollywood.

Actor Sylvester Stallone met up with his good friend, actor turned politician and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, as the two arrived on the red carpet of a screening for Stallone’s new movie “The Expendables” at Planet Hollywood Wednesday (Aug 11) in Nevada.

Actor Terry Crews, who stars in “The Expendables” (written and directed by Stallone) was spotted at the movie screening in Nevada as well…

LeBron James hung out with Chris Paul and record executive Steve Stoute at NYC club owner Noah Tepperberg‘s birthday party at Avenue (one of Noah’s many nightclubs) in New York City. LeBron is pictured below with Noah…

Model Jessica White and comedian/actor Mike Epps were on hand for Style Management’s 4 Season Style Preview at the Eventi Hotel in NYC.

Rappers Fabolous and Jadakiss attended the Jordan Brand Pop-Up Store soft-opening reception during the World Basketball Festival at the Atmos Store in New York.

While basketball stars Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade celebrated Jordan Brand during the World Basketball Festival nearby at the House of Hoops…

Actress Jenifer Lewis and Cheech Martin (one half of “Cheech & Chong”) enjoyed each other’s company on the red carpet of the Disney/Pixar launch event for “World of Cars Online” at Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank, CA.

And actor Idris Elba promoted his new movie “Takers” at the MGM Grand Hotel in Detroit.

Rapper Jay-Z and R&B singer Usher hung out with Atlantic Records exec. Mike Kyser, rapper French Montana and Def Jam exec. Shawn “Pecas” Costner in New York City at Bottles & Strikes Tuesday night (Aug 10) at Chelsea Piers bowling alley.

Other folks spotted at the event were R&B singer/songwriter Robin Thicke, Uptown Records founder Andre Harrell, NBA player Chris Paul and more. Check out a few pics of everyone partying it up at Chelsea Piers for Bottles & Strikes in NYC below…

After a 5-year engagement and a lot of wedding planning, basketball star Carmelo Anthony and former MTV VJ Lala Vazquez are now man and wife.

The happy couple exchanged vows over the weekend (Sat. Jul 10) in front of 300 of their closest friends and family at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. Insiders say the pair’s 3-year-old son Kiyan served as the ceremony’s ring bearer and escorted his parents to the alter before they said their “I do’s.” According to UsMagazine.com, the bride wore a Vera Wang gown as she walked down the aisle.

The star-studded guest list included folks like Kim Kardashian, Ciara, Kelly Rowland, Ludacris, Serena Williams, Trina, Kenyon Martin and more. LeBron James was also there and caused quite a scene when New Yorkers greeted him (with his girlfriend Savannah Brinson and BFF Chris Paul by his side) with a series of boos as he made his way into the building for the wedding.

Check out 15+ pics of everyone in NYC for Carmelo and Lala’s wedding below…

Thursday night (Jun 10) at the Celtics-Lakers game (2010 NBA Playoff Game 4), Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce got a little too excited after scoring a basket and getting the foul.

After following through with his shot, Pierce accidentally clobbered a referee when he attempted to give a fist pump to the crowd. Check out a video clip of the incident below:

Man that sure was funny!

Athletes and celebrities alike hit up the Exclusive Fabulous 23 Dinner hosted by Jordan Brand during All-Star Weekend 2010 in Dallas, TX Friday night (Feb 12).

Some of the guests in the building were Denver Nuggets basketball player Carmelo Anthony, his fiancee Lala Vazquez, rapper Bun B, Miami Heat player Dwyane Wade, Michael Jordan himself and more. R&B singer/songwriter Robin Thicke served as entertainment for the evening. More pics below and when you continue reading…

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES / WIRE IMAGE

Athletes and celebrities alike came together Friday night (Feb 12) for the 2010 All-Star Celebrity Basketball Game in Dallas, TX. Young Money rapper Drake, who plays a basketball coach in his “Best I Ever Had” music video, played assistant coach to former NBA player Magic Johnson for the game.

Drake, Magic and the West team won with a final score of 41-37 over the East. Check out pics of Drizzy, Magic, Common, Terrell Owens, Rick Fox, Chris Tucker, Terrence J and more below and more when you continue reading…

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

Beyonce was among many performers who took the stage Friday night (Jul 3) in New Orleans during Day 1 of the 2009 Essence Music Festival. The Coca-Cola sponsored event also saw performances from Ne-Yo, John Legend, and others. Continue reading for lots of pics from day one of the event and keep checking back as we upload photos from the entire weekend!

PHOTOS: WIRE IMAGE / GETTY IMAGES

Rapper MC Lyte and basketballer Chris Paul attended an exclusive launch party for Jordan Brand’s CP3.II shoe launch Thursday night at Republic Nightclub in New Orleans. Ray J and Big Tigger from BET also hit up the party. Continue reading for more pics!

PHOTOS: WIRE IMAGE

Michael Jordan and his apparel company, Jordan Brand, hosted the Fabulous 23 Cocktail Party and Dinner as a part of the ongoing festivities for NBA All-Star Weekend 2009, held in Phoenix, Arizona this past weekend. Celebrity attendees included: Ludacris, Chris Tucker, Shaquille O’Neal and more. Continue reading for the rest!

PHOTOS: WIRE IMAGE

PHOTOS: WIRE IMAGE

BERLIN, GERMANY // MONDAY, OCTOBER 13TH 2008 » New Orleans Hornets’ NBA star player Chris Paul showed up at NIKETOWN for a conducted interview in Berlin Monday to promote his new sneaker Air Jordan CP3 signature shoe. He also is starting off sharp with a victory during the preseason against the Washington Wizards while he’s staying in Germany this week. Check out the pics from the event above.

NEW YORK CITY // WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH 2008 » Many celebrities came to show support to the LeBron James and his Family Foundation to help enpower children and single-parent households to form innovative programs and activities for those families. Fellow athletes and friends like Jay-Z, Serena Williams, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and more were all in attendance at the event. Check out more flicks of the party after the cut.

PHOTOS: WIRE IMAGE

Oh, say does the star spangled banner yet wave! Team USA took the gold against the final contender which was Spain. They’ve came a long way with one of the best line-ups seen in the Olympics in awhile. It was a great race towards the gold and it was definitely worth it. Team USA won by 11 (118-107). The match against Spain wasn’t as elementary as they would’ve hoped but it still didn’t road block the way to the main prize.

LeBron James scored 17 points and 7 rebounds in the final game against Spain. James also felt that this game was historical in its own way:

“That’ll probably go down as one of the greatest Olympic games ever,” James said. “If it wasn’t for the determination and willpower we had, we wouldn’t be back on top of the world, which is where we are.”

Carmelo Anthony put 13 points on the board. Chris Paul aka CP3 finished with 13 points and 5 assists. Kobe Bryant threw up 20 points and 6 assists. K.B. not only finished with gold but also humility:

“What you saw today was a team bonding together, facing adversity and coming out with a huge win,” Bryant said.

I, myself, am very proud of Team USA of being the gold home and they’ve done a spectacular job. They all deserve this win. There is more photos + video below.

The USA Senior Men’s Team took yet another win against Lithuania by 36 points (120-84). These countries are making it too easy! Dwyane Wade was undeniably on his game last night in China against Lithuania. Wade put up 19 points leading the team to 3 straight wins (3-0). D-Wade feels better as well as he’s playing too:

“I’m healthy again, as healthy as I’ve been in two years, and I’m excited not only about this opportunity, but I’m excited about the rest of my career,” said Wade, “I know what it takes and the weight room has become my best friend. Hard work has got me here.”

LeBron James totaled 19 points and 5 rebounds while Kobe Bryant scored 13 points to the scoreboard. Dwight Howard scored 17 points on the scoreboard as well. The USA Team has been working extremely hard but the games have just begun. The first few team were a breeze but the farther we get the harder. The USA Team will be going up for the International Basketball Challenge in Shanghai, China today. Not sure if this will be broadcasted but check for local ESPN listings. The next verified broadcast game will be on Sunday, August 3, 2008. Check out the video below. Go USA!

USA’s Senior Men’s Basketball Team played Turkey tonight an lit up the floor once again winning by a whopping 32 points (114-82) in the 2008 Summer Olympics! LeBron James returned to the court after a mildly sprained ankle and brought the USA team to the win after a rocky start. James totaled 20 points on the board. LeBron talked about how powerful the USA team is after the game:

“We have guys that can come in and wear a team down. Wear a second unit down or wear a first unit down,” James said. “Once we realized it’s going to not happen in the first quarter but toward the middle of the second quarter and then toward the end of the third quarter, we can break the game open, and that’s what we did.”

Carmelo Anthony put up 17 points, while Dwight Howard scored 14 points. Despite the start, the game took off to a pretty great momentum after the second quarter. Dwyane Wade scored 13 points. Chris Paul aka CP3 totaled 12 points and 6 assists. USA compete against Lithuania tomorrow, Friday, August 1st @ 8PM/ET on ESPN. Check out the video recap below as well.

The USA Basketball Senior Team got off to a great start in the 2008 Men’s Basketball Olympics last night and made me very proud! Although LeBron James was injured with a sprained ankle for the challenge the team still did wonders on the court without him beating Canada by 55 (120-65)!!! Imagine if LeBron James was playing! Coach Mike Krzyzewski said he wanted Dwyane Wade as emergency backup just in case something happened to Kobe Bryant or LeBron James. The backup [Dwayne Wade] kicked into overdrive in the challenge against Canada scoring 20 points in his first game in 4 months. Chris Paul, who had 11 points and 8 assists, talked about Wade’s perservance:

“D-Wade is a warrior to anybody who knows him. He’s been rehabbing and he’s been working out probably more than anybody, just trying to get back in shape,” Chris Paul said. “That’s D-Wade. We see it every day in practice and you saw it tonight, that he’s back. When he’s aggressive like that, we’re a dangerous team.”

Kobe Bryant scored 15 points in the game against Canada. Carmelo Anthony put up 20 points to the scoreboard. The team did more than exceptionally well last night. They’re definietly ready to pursue those gold medals if you ask me! USA will be playing against Turkey on July 31st, Thursday @ 8AM/ET on ESPN. Check out the rest of the pics + video of the game below.

(PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES/NBAE)

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA // WEDNESDAY, JULY 23RD 2008 » The star players of the USA Basketball team are now currently training for the 2008 Olympics as we speak. More »

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA // WEDNESDAY, JULY 23RD 2008 » The star players of the USA Basketball team are now currently training for the 2008 Olympics as we speak. They were actually practicing at a local high school to prepare them for the official games. They played against selected rookies including Derrick Rose as well for preparation. Check out more photos from their practice after the cut.

(PHOTOS:GETTY IMAGES/NBAE)

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA // FRIDAY, JULY 4TH 2008 » So many celebs came out to support, perform and attend the 2008 Essence Music Festival this year on Independence Day. Rihanna, Chris Brown, Kanye West and J. Holiday all performed friday night at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and Louisiana Superdome. Solange, Bow Wow, Chris Paul, LeBron James, and more were all at the festival for the first day on the 4th. Check out more pics after the cut.

(PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES / WIRE IMAGE / FILM MAGIC)

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