After another season without winning a championship, James Harden will soon be able to choose which team to play for. Would he consider joining the Los Angeles Lakers to pursue a championship?
The latest betting odds from BetOnline rank LeBron James and his team as the third most likely option for the former MVP, with odds of 6-to-1.
Only the The and Phoenix Suns and the Orlando Magic have better odds, at 4-to-1 and 5-to-1 respectively.
This season, Harden averaged 16.6 points, 8.5 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 72 games with the LA Clippers .
But he struggled in the playoffs, as did the Clippers. They were knocked out in six games by the Dallas Mavericks.
. Harden only scored 23 points in both Game’s 5 and 6, missing 21 of 28 shots from the field and 12 of 13 three-point attempts, resulting in losses for his team.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see both parties part ways this summer, but early reports indicate that he is a priority for the Clippers.
Amick on Harden’s Free Agency
In an article dated May 3 for The Athletic, insider Sam Amick discussed the upcoming offseason for the LA Clippers.
Among the many things on their agenda are the upcoming contract discussions with Harden.
Amick acknowledged the presumed difficulty of the situation for both parties.
“Yet while team and league sources want this partnership to continue,” Amick reported. “There is a complicated financial conversation to be had due to the team's financial situation.”
He then reiterated the fact that both sides are eager to reach an agreement.
“Both sides, team and league sources say, want this relationship to continue,” wrote Amick.
The question of how much Harden, who is 34 years old, is seeking in his next contract remains unanswered and unaddressed.
As well as his potential compatibility with the Lakers. But whether his chances of winning a championship would improve with the Lakers seems to have a clear answer.
Lakers Duo More Reliable
There are many similarities between the two Los Angeles teams, but one important difference cannot be overlooked.
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George played in 142 games this season. Anthony Davis and LeBron James appeared in 147.
For further context, Leonard only played in 2 of the Clippers’ playoff games for the second consecutive year.
Health has been a recurring issue in the team’s repeated failures since George and Leonard joined the LA team. They have only played in 26 out of 42 possible postseason games together.
Though Davis and James have not been completely free of injuries, they have played in 47 out of 48 possible playoff games since teaming up in the purple and gold.
Harden played in 72 games this year, his most since the 2018-2019 season with the Houston Rockets.
. It was beneficial and had a significant positive impact on the Clippers’ performance.
According to Cleaning the Glass, in 4,129 possessions with Harden on the court, LA outscored opponents by 5.9 points per 100 possessions. Their 121.7 points per 100 possessions with the 10-time All-Star on the court ranks in the 91st percentile of all NBA teams.
But when Harden was not on the court, the Clippers’ offense
scored only 115.7 points for every 100 times they had the ball , a 6-point change. And a decrease to only the 50th percent of all teams.The defense was expectedly better without Harden on the court, but the offense declined significantly.
There’s still a star quality to James Harden’s game and his skill in leading an offense.
If everything falls into place for him to join the Los Angeles Lakers, Anthony Davis and LeBron James would have their most skilled floor general yet.
After another championship-less postseason finish, James Harden will be a free agent without restrictions. Would he consider joining the Los Angeles Lakers for the next stage of his quest for a championship?
