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Lou Williams just scored 50 points on the Warriors to lead the Clippers to their first victory against the Dubs in over three years. Fittingly, Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports broke the news right after the game that the Clippers have discussed keeping Lou on the team for years to come.
Sources: Lou Williams and the Clippers have recently engaged in contract extension discussions, but no deal's formed as sides evaluate positions. Williams went for 50 points against the Warriors in Oakland tonight. He's eligible for an extension during season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 11, 2018
Lou has been simply magnificent this season, scoring almost 23 points per game on excellent efficiency, and keeping the Clippers within striking distance of the playoffs (just one loss back of the 6th seed) despite a truly incredible amount of injuries.
The rest of the Clippers seem to love Lou, and he’s been in LA for most of the past three seasons, so it makes sense that he would want to stay in the area. And that’s exactly his mindset, as he told ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt in an interview after the game.
Lou Williams with an amazing answer when asked about being a highly coveted piece as the trade deadline approaches. I'm sure #Clippers will enjoy this. pic.twitter.com/n2vskrmQH6
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) January 11, 2018
While Lou is having a career season at age 31, he’s been excellent for several seasons now, and his game should age quite well. He deserves to be an All Star this season, and the Clippers are quite right in trying to keep him on the team instead of letting him hit free agency this summer.
It’s impossible to predict the future, but in the now, after that glorious win against the Warriors, this news is great to hear. Now let’s just hope a deal gets done.