Clippers star James Harden delivers clear message about his relationship with Kawhi Leonard

The Los Angeles Clippers can’t afford any setbacks as they battle for playoff positioning in the tight Western Conference. With six teams vying for a direct spot in the postseason, the Clippers are just one win away from a crucial position. From here on out, every game is pivotal, and fans are growing increasingly concerned about the relationship between James Harden and Kawhi Leonard.

Although their on-court performance hasn’t shown signs of tension, their recent exchange sparked various speculations. Leonard addressed the moment last week, clearing the air between the two stars. This time, it was Harden’s turn tospeak up, offering clarity following a significant win over the Dallas Mavericks.

With the Western Conference standings so tightly packed, the Clippers face an uphill battle in their remaining games. To succeed, Harden and Leonard must maintain strong communication on the floor. Following the Mavericks victory, Harden opened up about his relationship with Leonard.

“It’s real. It’s just real. We don’t sugarcoat anything. If he sees something, he’ll tell me. If I see something, I’ll tell him. And we move on. We’re professionals, we’re grown,” Harden told the media after the game.

James Harden #1 and Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers converse during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on February 05, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Harden’s thoughts on his relationship with Leonard

Throughout his career, Harden has built strong relationships with teammates on every team he’s joined. In his two years with the Clippers, he has made an effort to develop a solid rapport with Leonard, who, after his successful tenures with the San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors, is already considered the face of the franchise.

see also

Clippers’ James Harden teammate explains how his presence elevates team performance

“This is my second year, and we’ve built a really good relationship. We hang out off the court. We know each other. Our communication is smooth. We’re honest about how we feel and move forward,” Harden said when speaking to the media about his strong connection with Leonard, both on and off the court.

Harden’s comments are reassuring to Clippers fans who may have questioned the dynamic between the two stars. With the postseason on the line, they’ll look to translate their strong relationship into playoff success and aim to make a run at the NBA Finals.

Clippers’ final push for the playoffs

With just four games remaining in the regular season, the Clippers face a challenging stretch to secure a playoff spot. Among their remaining opponents are teams vying for the postseason, including the Golden State Warriors, who have surged since Jimmy Butler joined their roster. However, the Clippers also have tough matchups against teams like the Sacramento Kings, who are pushing hard to qualify for the Play-In Tournament.

Upcoming Games for the Clippers Featuring Harden and Leonard:

• vs. San Antonio Spurs – April 8
• vs. Houston Rockets – April 9
• vs. Sacramento Kings – April 11
• vs. Golden State Warriors – April 13