James Harden (left) and Paije Speights (right). Photo credits: Imagn images and @front_paije

'You Know That You Got Me': James Harden’s GF Paije Speights Sends Comforting Words To Clippers Star After Losing Game 7

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated May 6, 2025 11:29 AM ET

James Harden and the LA Clippers lost their critical Game 7, marking their exit this season. In this time of defeat, Harden’s girlfriend, Paije Speights, proved to be a supportive partner for the NBA veteran.

Over at her Instagram story, Speights spotted a photo of her and james Harden together in a hug, while playing the song “You Got Me” by The Roots as the background music.

“Baby, don’t worry, you know that you got me,” a verse from the song read. She also used the line as a story caption.

James Harden Has Clippers GM Support Despite Dismal Playoffs

Despite the disappointing end to his playoff run this season, James Harden still has the support of the LA Clippers front office, as they are still looking to build around him and recently recovered Kawhi Leonard for the upcoming season.

May 3, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) prepares to pass the ball in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets during game seven of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Harden faces a decision regarding his $36.3 million player option for the upcoming season, which he must exercise before free agency commences. Should he decline the option, the Clippers, under Frank’s guidance, intend to offer Harden a new multi-year contract.

“Because James has a player option, it would be irresponsible for me not to have contingency plans with it,” Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank said. “But I’m going in with the intent that if he doesn’t pick up his option, that we’re going to be able to reach an agreement that works well for James and works well for the Clippers.”

“When it was James this year with no Kawhi, with Norm [Powell] and [Ivica] Zubac and the rest of the group, we really asked James to do a lot,” Frank said of Harden. “And at his age to deliver what he did…[He played in] 79 games, and he does that time and time and time again. We have a deep appreciation for that sort of availability and to be able to deliver and do what he did…We have a great level of appreciation for what James did this year.”

May 3, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) defends on Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the third quarter during game seven of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

James Harden had a solid 2024-25 NBA season with the Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game. He shot 41.0% from the field, 35.2% from three, and 87.4% from the free-throw line.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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