Chris Paul has averaged 25.5 points, 11.5 assists and 7.0 rebounds against the Lakers, including a 33-point effort in a 109-100 victory in Game 1.

“I just look at it as a great opportunity for us as a team to forget about the regular season and seize the moment,’’ said Paul, who played Sunday night with a jammed left thumb and a cut above his right eye.

“I play with a chip on my shoulder. Regardless, day in and day out. I’m not trying to make a statement. When you get to the playoffs, nobody feels sorry for you. Nobody. They don’t care what’s wrong with your ankle, your knee or anything like that.
“This is what players are made of.’’

According to The Times Picayune, Paul is shooting 11-of-19 (58%) inside the paint, 14-of-23 (61%) from midrange, and 7-of-14 (50%) from beyond the arc through four games of the Hornets’ first round series against the Lakers.