Until two seasons ago, the Los Angeles Clippers had won eleven straight games against their city rivals. But over the last two years that’s changed. The Purple and Gold have won the season series on both occasions. That hasn’t happened since the 2011-12 season. And a major reason for tonight’s loss was James Harden’s recent struggles.

In a two-game stretch against the Purple and Gold, he has only shot 9-36 from the field. Even if 35, those numbers are a far cry from what James Harden is truly capable of. And Tyronn Lue feels he knows why the slump has arrived at this point in the season. It’s because Harden has been the lone force for so long.

“You definitely can see some fatigue setting in. He’s played you know almost every game and he’s had to carry this team for you know what 50 games or 40-45 games you know with Kawhi being out. And so you know it’s to be expected. He’s going to go through some tough times like you know where he’s fatigued and he’s not be able to make a shot. So just being to impact the game in other ways and by passing the basketball by directing,” the Clippers HC said.

Harden has only missed three games this season. He’s been injured a couple of times and on occasion also under the weather. The coaching staff in those times tried to get James Harden to sit games. But “he wouldn’t sit because he wants to play”. His body has indeed taken a ferocious toll this season.

He’s playing close to 35 minutes every night. Still, Harden doesn’t allude his shortcomings to being physically exhausted. “It’s not fatigue it’s just you know lineups, different rotations what not,” the Beard said about his recent struggles. However, it does seem evident. His shots don’t have the same arc and his movements aren’t as fluid.

Luckily, much-needed help might be on its way. And the reinforcement is capable of transforming the Clippers altogether.

The Clippers’ spark might be back

Kawhi Leonard has had it rough over the past few years. He’s been labeled as a hobbled star and even missed the first 34 games of the season. Since then, The Klaw has tried to regain his touch, the same that helped him drive the 2019 Raptors to a championship. And although it might have taken long, he looked the part tonight.

In the narrow loss to the Lakers, Leonard recorded a season-high 33 points. However, to Lue, his scoring aptitude was never a measure of the Clippers star’s health. The seasoned head coach had been longing for him to revert to being an animal all over the floor. So what he feels is a sign of Kawhi Leonard soon taking over as the focal point was his rebounding.

“He’s going to the offensive glass. You saw him crash and explode up for some offensive rebounds. Having 10 rebounds that’s what I kind of look at when I gauge how Kawhi’s playing if he’s rebounding the basketball and he did that well tonight along with scoring the basketball. So like I say he’s coming, starting to get his legs. I’m starting to feel better and we’re going to need that,” Lue said after the game. 

Having a conditioned Kawhi Leonard will be a priority that stands high on the Clippers list. The time on the sideline may have led to fans forgetting just what he is capable of. A two-way juggernaut, the Klaw is a physical and high-intelligence character on the basketball floor. Aside from his mid-range mastery, his defensive activity and aggression on the glass could be pivotal for the Los Angeles Clippers who are striving to make the playoffs.

They might still opt to provide him with timely rest. With only a few games of the season remaining, the franchise wouldn’t want to exhaust him and catapult the risk of injuries. But be certain, The Klaw will have a free pass if the Clippers do make the playoffs. And in that scenario, he has the capability to carry a team with his finesse and adroit two-way capabilities.

For James Harden though, this doesn’t necessarily mean rest. As Leonard gradually takes over the scoring duties, the Beard will see cleaner looks. However, his primary role is to supply as the floor general. Hence, he now has a greater task at hand, finding a way to make Kawhi Leonard the prime target while also keeping the likes of Zubac and Powell engaged.

So as far as rest is concerned, it may not be soon that Harden asks for some time on the sidelines.