Houston Rockets guard James Harden spoke openly with reporters after the Rockets’ 117-100 loss at home to the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday night.
Harden, who finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and six assists, said the Rockets are not good enough.
“I love this city,” Harden said. “I’ve literally done everything I can. I mean, this situation is crazy. It’s something I don’t think can be fixed.”
In Tuesday’s loss, Harden played his fourth game where he scored 20 points or less. This is Harden’s longest break since the 2011-12 season, when he played with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Harden is aware that the Rockets continue to discuss commercial scenarios with teams, although there is no imminent agreement. Houston’s asking price remains strong for Harden-related operations.
Newly acquired Rockets goalie John Wall, who finished with 10 points and five assists in the game, said chemistry plays a role in the Rockets ’first-season problems.
“When you have certain guys who don’t want to buy, it’s hard,” Wall said.
Although the Rockets’ chemistry issues have been an issue, Wall did not hold back on his thoughts of building a relationship with Harden.
“It’s been a little rocky, I won’t lie about it,” Wall said. “I don’t think it was the best it could be. That’s all I can say.”
Harden averages 26 points (10th in the league) in 37 minutes of action. He also leads the league in average assists per game with 11.
Houston (3-6) ranks last in the Western NBA Conference. The Rockets are also 3-3 at home and have dropped two games in a row.
The Rockets return to action Thursday on the road against the San Antonio Spurs, a team that won 112-102 on the road Tuesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder.