Clippers Announce James Harden News Before Lakers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Dec 19, 2025 10:10 PM ET

James Harden was out of action for the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday as they suffered a 122-101 blowout loss to the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Harden was ruled out due to a calf injury, which cast some doubt on his status for Saturday’s rivalry showdown against the Los Angeles Lakers.

With Harden sidelined, the Clippers struggled to keep up with OKC, resulting in another blowout loss. That was L.A.’s fifth straight defeat as they fell to 6-21 on the season.

The good news is that Harden is now set to return, just in time for their home game against their bitter rivals.

Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Harden is now in his third year with the Clippers. In 25 games played, the former NBA MVP has averaged 26.0 points on 44.0% shooting, 5.2 rebounds, 8.1 assists and 1.3 steals, while also knocking down 3.6 triples per game on a 37.6% clip.

Harden has remained healthy throughout the campaign as well. His absence against the Thunder on Wednesday was just his second missed game of the season.

On Friday, the Clippers announced via the injury report that Harden will return for Saturday’s game against LeBron James and Co. As reported by Law Murray of The Athletic, Harden was not listed on the injury report against the Lakers.

It is worth noting that the Lakers are dealing with an injury crisis heading into Saturday’s contest. Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton will remain sidelined, while Rui Hachimura was added to the injury report with a questionable tag. This means that the Lakers could potentially be down three starters against the Clippers.

The Clippers will host Saturday’s rivalry showdown, with tip-off from Intuit Dome scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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