James Harden has already built a résumé that secures his place among the NBA’s all-time greats. An MVP award, numerous All-Star selections, and scoring titles showcase his dominance as a guard. He has dazzled fans for over a decade with his step-back threes, crafty playmaking, and ability to control the pace of a game.

But as Harden enters the 2025-26 season with the Los Angeles Clippers, there’s one thing that still defines his journey: the absence of a championship ring. Harden has achieved everything individually, yet he knows the missing piece is what will ultimately shape his legacy. That is why, before the season began, Harden made a declaration that felt more personal than ever: “I have to do this.”

A Different Mindset for the 2025-26 Campaign

When asked about his goals, Harden didn’t hide behind clichés or generic answers. He emphasized that his motivation has shifted. He has nothing left to prove statistically or individually. His sole purpose now is to win a championship with the Clippers.

“I’ve accomplished everything in this game individually,” Harden said. “It’s no secret what we’re trying to accomplish here. So many teams in this league say they want to win a championship, but only a handful really have the chance. I think we’re one of them.”

This sentiment reflects a new chapter in Harden’s career. No longer focused on accolades, he has embraced the role of a veteran leader who understands the urgency of the moment.

Why the Clippers Could Be Different

The Clippers’ history is filled with talented rosters that fell short. From the high-flying “Lob City” era of the early 2010s to the Kawhi Leonard–Paul George partnership, the franchise has repeatedly found itself on the cusp of greatness but unable to finish the job.

Now, the dynamic has shifted. With Paul George moving on to the Philadelphia 76ers, Harden and Kawhi Leonard stand as the anchors of a Clippers squad built with depth and balance. Management has emphasized surrounding the stars with versatile players, ensuring the team can handle the demands of an 82-game season and the grueling playoff schedule.

For Harden, this roster feels like a legitimate contender. His declaration isn’t just a motivational slogan—it’s a reflection of real belief that the Clippers have what it takes to go all the way.

Health and Depth: The Two Keys

Harden has spoken openly about the two factors that separate contenders from pretenders: health and depth. Injuries have often derailed past Clippers teams, including Leonard and George missing critical postseason games.

This year, the Clippers enter the season healthy, with a roster capable of spreading minutes and reducing the load on their stars. Harden knows that no matter how talented a team may be, without those two ingredients, championships remain out of reach.

Facing the Western Conference Challenge

Of course, no path to the NBA Finals is easy—especially in the Western Conference. Defending champions, established dynasties like the Golden State Warriors, and rising powers such as the Oklahoma City Thunder all pose serious threats.

Still, Harden’s confidence is rooted in realism. He acknowledges the difficulty but believes the Clippers are among the few teams with the right combination of talent, experience, and balance to contend. For Harden, this is not about hope—it’s about seizing the moment.

Harden’s Legacy on the Line

For all his accolades, Harden’s career has often been overshadowed by playoff shortcomings. Critics argue that his greatest seasons lacked the ultimate validation. Fair or not, that conversation won’t end until Harden wins a championship.

By declaring “I have to do this” before the season, Harden put his legacy on the line. He is aware that his time is limited. At 36 years old, opportunities to chase a ring are running out. Every game, every playoff run from this point forward carries heightened significance.

The Weight of Leadership

Beyond scoring and playmaking, Harden’s leadership will be tested. His experience, basketball IQ, and calmness in high-pressure moments will be crucial for the Clippers. Kawhi Leonard remains a superstar, but Harden’s presence as a steadying force can make the difference between another early exit and a historic run.

The Clippers don’t just need Harden’s skills—they need his determination, the same determination behind his preseason words.

A Fanbase Waiting for History

Clippers fans have endured decades of disappointment. The team has often lived in the shadow of the Los Angeles Lakers, struggling to establish its own championship legacy. For supporters, Harden’s declaration resonates deeply. It reflects both the hunger of the player and the desperation of the franchise to finally achieve what has long eluded them.

If Harden can help deliver a championship, it would not only redefine his career but also alter the course of Clippers history forever.

Comparing Harden’s Situation to Other Superstars

What makes Harden’s statement stand out is how it mirrors the journeys of other NBA greats who eventually captured their elusive titles. Dirk Nowitzki waited over a decade before finally winning with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011. Kevin Garnett left the Minnesota Timberwolves and found his championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008. Even LeBron James faced years of criticism before breaking through with the Miami Heat.

Like those legends, Harden faces the defining question: can he turn his individual brilliance into team success? The 2025-26 Clippers may be his best chance.

The Importance of Chemistry and Role Players

Championship teams aren’t built on stars alone. Harden has emphasized the importance of chemistry and trust among teammates. Players like Terance Mann, Ivica Zubac, and the bench unit must rise to the occasion if the Clippers are to compete with the elite.

The NBA postseason often comes down to role players making big shots, providing defensive stops, or simply giving stars enough rest to stay effective. Harden knows that his “I have to do this” mindset must be shared across the locker room for the dream to become reality.

The Symbolism of “I Have to Do This”

Those five words are more than just motivation—they represent Harden’s understanding of his career narrative. “I have to do this” means he cannot afford another missed opportunity. It means he recognizes the responsibility of being in a franchise still searching for its first NBA Finals appearance. It means that, at this stage, everything else is secondary.

For the Clippers, it’s a rallying cry. For Harden, it’s a personal vow. For fans, it’s the hope that this season finally delivers the breakthrough.

The Season of Truth

James Harden’s bold words before the 2025-26 season—“I have to do this”—captured more than a personal mission. They encapsulated the urgency of a franchise, the expectations of a fanbase, and the reality of a career nearing its final chapters.

The Clippers have the talent, the depth, and, for now, the health to contend. The Western Conference will test them, but Harden has made his stance clear: failure is not an option.

As the season unfolds, the basketball world will watch closely. For James Harden, this campaign isn’t about numbers or highlights. It’s about one thing and one thing only—the pursuit of the elusive championship that will finally complete his story.