LOS ANGELES _ As kickoff to NBA training camp approaches, Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul is looking to wrap up a little business away from the court, listing his home in Bel-Air for sale at $11.495 million.
That might have some wondering about the perennial's All-Star's future with the team, but it's safe to say that Paul is simply changing L.A. neighborhoods. Last year, he bought an estate on 2 acres in a gated Calabasas community for $8.995 million. He also owns a home in Woodland Hills.
As for his Bel-Air digs, the eight-bedroom, 11-bathroom mansion was formerly owned by Avril Lavigne. Paul bought the property from the singer-songwriter more than 4 { years ago, roughly a month after the trade that sent him from New Orleans to L.A., for $8.495 million.
Found within the confines of guard-gated Bel-Air Crest, the two-story Mediterranean sits on half an acre and is obscured on either side by fences and tall privacy hedges. Views from the property take in the surrounding canyon and reservoir.
Updated during Paul's ownership, the 12,184 square feet of living space has a clean look with herringbone wood floors, modern fixtures and white gallery walls. Telescoping walls of glass bring the outdoors inside.
Amenities of note include a 12-seat home theater, a billiards room, a gym with a sauna and a 500-bottle wine cellar. An elevator and a central staircase wrapped in decorative ironwork connect each floor.
A chef's kitchen boasts dark cabinetry and two islands _ enough room for hosting the Clippers' starting five. Upstairs, the master retreat offers the getaway package, with a kitchenette, a fireplace and a balcony overlooking the grounds. A soaking tub in the master bath catches the eye with an unusual checkerboard tile surround.
Rolling lawns, covered patios and a swimming pool and spa fill the grounds. A garage situated beneath the home holds as many as 10 cars.
Paul, 31, averaged 19.5 points and 10 assists for the Clippers last season, his fifth with the team. The former first-round pick out of Wake Forest made his ninth consecutive All-Star team last year.
