“Already messing up the Clippers” – James Harden in street clothes at fault for LeBron James and Lakers’ first win after 11 STRAIGHT losses to rivals, argues Skip Bayless

Skip Bayless pointed to James Harden as the reason behind the Los Angeles Clippers' defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers.

“Already messing up the Clippers” – James Harden in street clothes at fault for LeBron James and Lakers’ first win after 11 STRAIGHT losses to rivals, argues Skip Bayless

Skip Bayless and James Harden (Credits: SB Nation and ESPN)

The Los Angeles Clippers lost the battle of LA against the Los Angeles Lakers in a dramatic fashion in an overtime game. The Clippers hadn’t lost to the Lakers in their previous 11 meetings, and it seemed like they could’ve won the game as they had a 19-point lead in the first half, which the Lakers managed to overcome, despite Kawhi Leonard and Paul George playing.

One notable story from the game was James Harden not suiting up after being recently traded to the Clippers. This intrigued many because PJ Tucker, who was part of the same trade package, played 21 minutes and guarded LeBron James on several possessions. Sports analyst Skip Bayless blamed Harden for the Clippers’ loss.

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In a tweet after the game, Bayless said that Harden was already impacting the Clippers’ chances, as they had lost to the Lakers after 11 consecutive wins against them. He suggested that Harden suiting up for the team could’ve helped them win the game.

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Bayless said:

James Harden is already disrupting the Clippers, and he's just sitting on the bench in street clothes.

When will James Harden play his first game for the Clippers?

The Los Angeles Clippers could have benefitted from James Harden’s skillset in their loss against the Los Angeles Lakers, especially when Paul George and Norman Powell fouled out in overtime. However, Harden didn’t suit up for the team, leaving many fans confused about when the former MVP would make his debut with his new team. NBA Insider Shams Charania revealed the anticipated debut of ‘the Beard’ in a Clippers jersey.

James Harden
James Harden (via Shams on X)

According to Shams, Harden is expected to play his first game as a Clipper at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks. While it wasn’t stated why he didn’t play when PJ Tucker did, it was made clear that he will be playing against the Knicks.

Shams stated:

James Harden will not be playing tonight…The target is soon, in Monday's game at the Garden against the Knicks.

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