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Lawrence Frank says LA Clippers signings are all thanks to James Harden making crucial decision, ‘he’s been great…’

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Pocholo Magsino | Last updated Jul 20, 2025 12:30 PM ET

The LA Clippers are capitalizing on the free agency market in the 2025 offseason, getting Brook Lopez and Bradley Beal. This is a fantastic development for the Clippers, and this is due to James Harden.

James Harden has become a vital player for the Los Angeles Clippers over the past two seasons. He has played at an All-NBA level for the team, but he refused a bigger contract to help the team. That has led to the Clippers having better flexibility with the contracts they offer to players.

Harden’s decision has led to some magnificent signings, including the signing of Brook Lopez from the Milwaukee Bucks. After Lopez, LA claimed Bradley Beal off waivers, which is possible due to the money they saved from Harden’s deal.

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

Harden is doing everything he can to win with the Clippers

As one of the league’s best players without a championship, Harden is aiming to win a title with the Clippers. They might not be a favorite, but they have the tools to compete, especially with Kawhi Leonard. Since the team needed more support, Harden took it upon himself to sacrifice.

He left a lot of money on the table for the Clippers to use in the market. President of basketball operations Lawrence Frank is not letting Harden down with his signings. Lopez is a fantastic option at center behind Ivica Zubac, and Beal seamlessly fits into Norman Powell’s former spot.

Lawrence Frank says that the Clippers currently have 10 rotation players, and that Tyronn Lue "usually plays 9"

Stresses that role definition and communication is key for potential addition that it is a reserve role and that Clippers need insurance for the starters
— Law Murray (@LawMurrayTheNU) July 19, 2025

This is beneficial for the Clippers, as they can build on what made them successful in the 2024-25 season. They could be one of the surprise teams that could contend against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“So, without James, we can’t even get Brad (Beal), because we wouldn’t have use of the full MLE. So that allowed us to get Brook (Lopez) and Brad because of the way James (Harden) structured his contract,” Frank told the media about Harden’s contributions.

“He’s been great in that sense, he’s also been great in that he’s very, very proactive. When word was out that Brad may get a buyout, and we were allowed to talk to Brad, James was the first one, well, let me call him. And willing to do anything. So, all James cares about is winning.”

The Clippers could be a surprise team in the West during the 2025-26 season

With this roster, the Clippers are an underrated team heading into the 2025-26 season. The Harden and Zubac connection is still there, while Leonard should be healthier. Beal is good enough to replace Powell’s contributions.

Bradley Beal fulfilled the prophecy

(via Law Murray) pic.twitter.com/tK1kh34VXF
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) July 18, 2025

They might be an older team, but the Clippers can keep up with other Western Conference teams. Of course, they are not favorites, as the Thunder have that distinction. It should not come as a shock that the Clippers will be good in the 2025-26 season.

He helps the team with his contract and boosts their chances of winning through his playmaking and scoring. Head coach Ty Lue will be ready to lead his team to a strong campaign.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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