Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden has won an MVP, earned All-Star selections and is a future Hall of Famer. However, the veteran guard has yet to win a championship, something he would like to change during the 2025-26 season. When discussing the subject, however, Harden made it clear that many teams say they want to win the NBA Finals each season, but only a few truly have a realistic opportunity.
"It’s no secret, I think we all are trying to accomplish the same thing," Harden said, via Joey Linn. "I've accomplished everything in this game individually. It’s no secret what we’re trying to accomplish here... I think we have the roster depth to actually accomplish it. So many teams in this league, it’s like, ‘We’re trying to win a championship.’ There’s only a handful that has a real opportunity... You gotta be good enough and you gotta be healthy. Those are the two things. We’re both of those right now."
On Media Day, fans likely heard many players and coaches around the NBA say that they hope to win a championship this season. It is the right thing to say. It is what keeps everyone motivated. However, Harden's assessment is correct. There are realistically only a few teams with legitimate chances of taking home the NBA Finals trophy.
James Harden's confidence in the 2025-26 Clippers
Harden believes in the Clippers. Los Angeles has become a consistent contender over the years. In the 2010's decade, the "Lob City" Clippers were arguably the greatest team in NBA history to never win a championship. More recently, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were unable to lead a championship run despite having competitive teams.
Leonard is still in LA, but George is now in Philadelphia with the 76ers. Now, Harden is hoping to help Leonard lead this Clippers squad to the NBA Finals. Los Angeles has done an impressive job of adding depth around its stars. If the Clippers can stay healthy, there is reason to believe they will end up making a deep postseason run.
With that being said, the Western Conference is certainly not short on talent. There are multiple teams that feature what it takes to emerge as serious contenders. Nevertheless, James Harden is clearly confident in the Clippers' chances.
Los Angeles will do everything it can to take a step forward and make a deep playoff run during the 2025-26 campaign. James Harden may earn more individual awards, but his primary focus is on winning a championship.