T.J. Simers: So far, Clippers' Chris Paul is the NBA's most valuable player It would be surprising if the chant in Staples Center isn't loud and persistent by now. And he's going to need it, limping as he was during Monday afternoon's loss at Golden State. But if sports is all about winning and the pursuit of excellence, who has done it better this season? LeBron James is the most talented player in the NBA. Kevin Durant is the best shooter. And Kobe Bryant's brilliant play defies explanation after so many trips up and down the court. But Chris Paul is this season's most valuable player. So far. And I add "so far" only because Paul would insist on it. As it is, if there is an award for turning a horrible, rotten, no-hope franchise around, it should be named after Paul. He has done something most thought unthinkable, turning the Clippers into an NBA powerhouse. The two best teams in the West meet Tuesday night in Los Angeles, another wacky turnaround when considering one of the teams is the Clippers and the other is not the Lakers. It might also be the most exciting matchup the NBA can offer this season, with Lob City and Oklahoma City swapping athletic highlights. It will also be Chris Paul bobblehead night, a reminder to everyone in attendance that the smallest guy on the court is capable of pulling off the biggest of miracles. Unfortunately, Paul is playing on one healthy knee, hopping from here to there as he tried to stay on the court with Golden State. But it was obvious he could not shoot, could not defend as he has done all season, and Russell Westbrook won't be very sympathetic. Will the Clippers even have him for the Thunder? They won on the road last week with him resting, in part because his teammates now play with the intensity that he instilled in the Clippers when he arrived.