Clippers keeping Chris Paul out versus Lakers?

Los Angeles Clippers points guard Chris Paul worked out Saturday and "feels great," Coach Vinny Del Negro told the Los Angeles Times, but the team isn't just throwing the 26-year-old four-time All-Star back into the lineup.

"There's a protocol that guys have to go through, in terms of injuries and things," Del Negro said, according to the Times. "We went through that [Saturday] in terms of his workout and conditioning. He felt good. It's just that I think we have to be smart about the process. Chris understood how hamstrings are and that was explained to him. We just felt that was the best way to go right now."

Paul, who joined the team in the offseason via trade, hasn't played since Jan. 14, missing five games for the Pacific Division-leading Clips.

It remains unclear if Paul will be back in the lineup when the team takes on the rival Los Angeles Lakers.

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