by Zachary Ward, USA TODAY

Chris Paul was back at practice Tuesday morning as he nurses a surgically-repaired right thumb. That’s good news for the Clippers as they try to make bigger and better things happen in year two of “Lob City.”

Clippers head coach Vinny Del Negro seemed optimistic about his point guard’s status.

“He played well,” Del Negro told NBA.com. “He’s just got to get in better game condition. He’s been out for a while, but there’s no question he’s a factor when he’s out there no matter what kind of shape he’s in.”

Paul did admit he was a “little winded,” but overall enjoyed being back on the court.

He hasn’t been playing since August because of a torn ligament in that right thumb. He’s going to have to be completely healthy this year if he wants to keep the newly-formed L.A. rivalry going with the Lakers, which is in danger of becoming very not-so-competitive in a hurry.

Last year Paul brought an excitement to the Clippers that the franchise had never known. He led the team to only their fifth playoff appearance in 28 years in L.A., while also securing his fifth straight All-Star Game selection. His style of play and chemistry with Blake Griffin, had people whispering that perhaps the Clippers were the hotter ticket in town than the mighty Lakers, who have won 16 NBA titles to the Clippers’ zero.

But with all the noise the Lakers made in the offseason it’s going to be hard for the Clippers maintain that buzz in town they had a year ago.

Paul himself was nearly a Laker.

He controversially ended up in a Clippers jersey last year, after seemingly being traded to the Lakers six days earlier. While the Lakers were incensed with David Stern’s decision to call off that trade, Paul seemed perfectly content teaming up with Blake Griffin in “Lob City.” He seems to relish breathing life into one of the most historically futile franchises in all of sports. He seems to relish fixing something that is broken, having in his past played the role of hero to another fanbase in New … [For more on Chris Paul is back amidst quieter offseason in Lob City, click here.]