Chris Paul likes his team’s odds of signing free agent guard J.R. Smith.

"I think our chances are very high," Paul said Monday night after the Clippers' 96-92 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

Paul and Smith spent two seasons as teammates with the Hornets.

"Who knows J.R. better than me?" Paul said of Smith.

The Clippers can offer Smith the opportunity to start at shooting guard.

"Also he knows he'll have the opportunity to play here," Paul said. "He can only make us better."