As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, the LA Clippers are entering a pivotal moment in shaping their strategy around James Harden. With Kawhi Leonard back healthy and the addition of Bradley Beal in free agency, the Clippers are rethinking Harden’s role and usage rate to maximize both his efficiency and the team’s success. After a season where Harden carried much of the offensive and playmaking burden, head coach Tyronn Lue is intent on preventing a repeat.

Harden’s 2024-25 Season and Usage Concerns

James Harden came into last season under scrutiny due to perceived decline during his stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers. However, his performance with the Clippers suggested a resurgence. Playing 79 games and averaging 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, Harden demonstrated his capacity as the team’s primary ball-handler alongside Norman Powell.

Despite strong numbers, Harden’s workload was a concern. With 35.3 minutes per game and a usage rate of 28.6 percent, he ranked tenth among players with at least 60 games played. Notably, Harden, alongside LeBron James, was one of only two players in the top ten usage list older than 35, highlighting the physical toll on the veteran star.

Tyronn Lue acknowledged the strain Harden faced. “He had to make every play for us last year, him and Norm, offensively,” Lue explained. “It put a lot of pressure on him and the last few weeks of the season, he got worn down. That’s our fault, but we had to do what we had to do to try to make the playoffs.” The Clippers, finishing with a surprising 50-win season, leaned heavily on Harden, but the strategy came at a cost to his efficiency. Harden’s shooting of 41 percent from the field marked the second worst of his career, while his 35.3 percent three-point shooting was his fourth worst over a full season.

Kawhi Leonard’s Return and Its Impact

Kawhi Leonard’s return on January 4, 2025, was a turning point for the Clippers’ offense and defense. Over the final 25 games of the season, LA ranked second in offensive efficiency and first in defense when Kawhi was active. This stretch demonstrated that a fully healthy roster could significantly reduce the burden on Harden.

Tyronn Lue is adamant that this season, Harden will not have to shoulder such an overwhelming workload. “It’s going to be games where he has to do that, but I think the last 25 games of the season when Kawhi came back… we’ll be able to score the basketball when everyone is healthy and things are clicking on all cylinders. So we don’t want James to have to go out every single night and have to do every single thing he did for us last year.”

With Leonard back, the Clippers are poised to utilize Harden in a more balanced offensive system. Leonard’s scoring and defensive presence help distribute responsibilities, easing Harden’s burden while maintaining high-level performance on both ends of the floor.

Bradley Beal Addition: Reducing Harden’s Burden

The offseason addition of Bradley Beal is another key factor in the Clippers’ strategy. Beal, a proven scorer and floor spacer, provides a complementary offensive weapon alongside Harden and Leonard. By adding Beal, LA can reduce Harden’s need to generate nearly every scoring opportunity.

“We’re going to use him, but I’m saying we don’t have to run 60 pick-and-rolls to try to generate a shot,” Lue said when discussing Harden’s role. “Now with Bradley [Beal] out there, with Kawhi back healthy, and [Ivica Zubac] being able to post the basketball, we can take a lot of pressure off of James having to overcreate every night.”

Beal’s scoring ability from multiple spots on the floor, especially off the catch, allows Harden to focus more on selective playmaking and scoring rather than being the team’s singular engine. This strategic shift is expected to enhance Harden’s efficiency while keeping him healthier throughout the long NBA season.

Supporting Cast: Ivica Zubac and Chris Paul

In addition to Leonard and Beal, the Clippers’ supporting cast plays a pivotal role in managing Harden’s usage. Center Ivica Zubac continues to develop as a reliable post presence and pick-and-roll finisher, providing an outlet for Harden and other guards. Meanwhile, the acquisition of veteran point guard Chris Paul adds leadership, floor management, and the ability to take some pressure off Harden as the primary facilitator.

Tyronn Lue emphasized the impact of having a deeper roster. “He’s going to play his game, I’m just saying he doesn’t have to do it every time down the floor. Last year, I thought him and Norm had to do it every time down the floor because that’s just what we had, but adding Brad, adding Kawhi back in the mix, and then Zu, he doesn’t have to put that kind of pressure on himself every time down the floor.”

The combination of Leonard, Beal, Zubac, and Paul offers the Clippers versatility and multiple scoring options. Harden’s playmaking can now be more situational rather than constant, allowing for improved energy management and higher efficiency over the season.

Strategic Implications for the 2025-26 Season

The Clippers’ strategy for Harden in 2025-26 revolves around managing his minutes, usage rate, and offensive responsibilities. With Leonard healthy and Beal added to the lineup, Harden’s offensive load should decrease from last year’s extreme. Instead of being the engine of nearly every play, Harden can focus on scoring when opportunities are most favorable and creating plays for teammates in high-leverage situations.

Reducing Harden’s workload also carries long-term benefits. At 36 years old, managing his minutes is crucial for preserving his health and performance in the postseason. The Clippers are positioning themselves for a deep playoff run by ensuring Harden remains effective without being overextended.

Harden’s Role in Pick-and-Roll Offense

A key element of Harden’s success has been his pick-and-roll ability, but last season’s heavy usage exposed the limitations of relying on him constantly. Tyronn Lue is planning to balance Harden’s pick-and-roll responsibilities with Leonard’s scoring and Beal’s perimeter threat.

“Last year he had to do everything in pick-and-rolls, and it showed in his shooting percentages. This year, we can stagger responsibilities and create more balanced looks. It’s better for the team and better for him,” Lue explained.

By distributing pick-and-roll execution among multiple players, the Clippers can maintain offensive fluidity while limiting Harden’s fatigue. This should translate to more efficient shooting, higher assist numbers, and fewer turnovers.

Monitoring Harden’s Efficiency

Harden’s efficiency is a central focus for the Clippers heading into the new season. Last year’s 41 percent shooting from the field and 35.3 percent from three-point range are areas for improvement. With a healthier and deeper roster, Harden can prioritize high-quality shots, allowing for a higher effective field goal percentage and overall offensive rating.

Efficient usage of Harden also involves strategic rest and rotation management. By monitoring minutes per game and situational deployment, the Clippers can ensure Harden is at his best for critical stretches, especially in the playoffs.

Outlook for the 2025-26 Season

If the Clippers remain healthy, the combination of Leonard, Beal, Zubac, and Paul alongside Harden positions LA as a contender in the Western Conference. The team’s ability to share offensive responsibilities and maintain defensive intensity will be key factors.

Harden’s evolution from a high-usage, every-play facilitator to a more strategically utilized offensive weapon could prolong his career while maximizing team success. The Clippers’ approach emphasizes synergy and balance, focusing on keeping their stars healthy, productive, and ready for a postseason push.

In summary, James Harden’s role with the LA Clippers in 2025-26 will be markedly different from last season. Kawhi Leonard’s return, Bradley Beal’s addition, and a strong supporting cast allow Harden to thrive without being overburdened. Tyronn Lue’s strategy prioritizes efficiency, health, and team success, signaling a smarter, more balanced approach to managing one of the NBA’s veteran superstars.