NBA Playoffs: Which superstar has the most to win and lose?

May 10, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Cavaliers Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game winning basket in the second half of game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. The Cavaliers won 86-84. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 10, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers (left) and guard Chris Paul (3) react against the Houston Rockets in game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Rockets 128-95 to take a 3-1 lead. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Chris Paul

Chris Paul finished being the hero against the San Antonio Spurs, and he has the chance to move further than he ever has if the Clippers can finish off the Rockets.

How much does Chris Paul have to win with a Finals victory?

As it stands right now, Chris Paul is arguably the best point guard in the league. In fact he probably has the best argument; certainly Stephen Curry, John Wall, Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook and

Brooklyn’s Deron Williams

(haha jk he’s the worst) have strong arguments based on this year, but over the course of the past seven or eight years Paul has consistently been the best at doing what he does at his position. That includes organizing an offense of competitive talents and personalities, playing chippy defense and emerging as the go-to scorer in key situations.

All that is missing now from Paul’s resume is an NBA championship. Paul is the best player in the NBA who has never been to a Finals, and this year is easily the best chance that he has had in his entire career. If he wins now, he vaults into immortality.

How much does Chris Paul have to lose with an early exit?

Chris Paul has never been to the NBA Finals. In fact he has never been to the conference finals. He is now one game away from reaching that pinnacle. The narrative surrounding Paul is that he finds a way to thwart his own chances at success every year when he reaches the playoffs.

At this point in the series between the Clippers and the Rockets, it would take an epic collapse from the Clips to squander this lead. It is highly doubtful that Paul will get another chance like this; the Clippers look like the best team left playing, and they will go up against either a limited Grizzlies team or a Warriors team that has been proven to be beatable. After that, whatever team the East manages to pathetically throw their way will be easy pickings for the Clippers, and that includes the Cavs. The time for LA is now, and the window for Chris Paul to be a champion fades fast.

Next: Blake Griffin