I mean, Paul picked LAC bc he just wanted to collect checks while being back home with the family. Otherwise, he could've found any DeAndre Jordan towel waiving role for a HOU, OKC, DEN, etc team.
Kinda interesting whenever an aging superstar reaches the point where they no longer care about winning/chasing that elusive first title and just treats the sport like a 9-to-5. Basically what happened to Paul after the upteenth injury with Phoenix and he found himself playing back-up to the opps (Steph in GSW), which was probably a reality check.
Like, at that point, winning some '06 Gary Payton title ain't gonna do shyt for your psyche and pride, which is what the whole legacy thing is really about. Dame going back to Portland to ride out his career, instead of trying to tap dance in front of a title contender a year from now at 36 for a backup role... or Vince Carter after he failed in Orlando, basically saying F it and coasting from 35 to 43 years old (DAL, MEM, SAC, ATL).
Westbrook is basically at that crossroads now. Turns 37 next week, will probably play another 3-4 years, likely never again for a serious title contender but he'll probably be more at peace than he ever was the last 4-5 years.