Tyronn Lue stated at the Los Angeles Clippers' media day on Monday that the coaching staff has a plan to reduce James Harden's work load in the coming season, with the hope that doing so will save him some energy for the playoffs come April. Lue believes the team is in a position to make this decision given the good health of Kawhi Leonard, as well as the other additions the front office was able to make in the offseason.
Lue acknowledged that in the last few weeks of this past season, Harden got a little bit worn down and he recognized the need for a change there. He also hinted at the idea of James playing a bit fewer games this coming season. Although, Clippers fans know how much Harden hates to sit out, so he may resist the playing restrictions the coaching staff wants to put on him.
However, at Harden's current age, reducing volume over the course of a long season is going to help reduce wear and tear on the body, and better prepare him for what the Clippers hope will be a long postseason run. Giving him a bit of a smaller role in the regular season will ideally keep him sharper in critical moments later, rather than putting extra miles on his body unnecessarily.
Tyronn Lue says the Clippers want to reduce James Harden’s usage and workload this season, and they’re in a position to given Kawhi Leonard’s health and offseason additions.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) September 30, 2025
“We don’t want him to have to be in 60 pick-and-rolls every game.”
Lue's plan to limit Harden's workload will pay dividends
With Kawhi operating at a high level in optimal health, and Bradley Beal being able to carry a good part of the offensive load as well, LA is going to have the luxury of being able to relieve Harden of some of his previously high usage. Implementing this plan will allow others to step up, and give more guys off the bench additional room to grow.
By reducing Harden's pick-and-roll count, it could create a situation where his touches become more efficient. James can become an even more effective overall player given that the Clippers won't be forcing volume, but rather allowing him to play more within himself.
And at the end of the day, this becomes an even wiser decision when you consider where Harden's shortcomings have showed up the most over the course of his career. It's not exactly a secret that he has struggled in the playoffs, so giving him more of a chance to thrive in that environment is going to be the Clippers' best plan.
A lower usage James Harden means he'll be able to conserve energy to defend harder in key moments, while allowing the coaching staff to shift matchups more effectively without always needing Harden to carry them. It's arguably the best plan for LA to go deep into the playoffs in six months.