Earlier this offseason, the Clippers officially announced they were pulling out of trade talks for James Harden. Sometimes maintaining relationships is harder than starting them, and this decision has left the All-Star guard in limbo, unable to exit Philadelphia—for now. But according to Live Cricket BPL sources, Harden has not given up on his quest for a new team. While he has committed to reporting for training camp, he is also actively exploring other options.

Recently, Harden has made direct contact with the Los Angeles Lakers and even held a private meeting with team leader LeBron James. Live Cricket BPL has learned that Harden is eager to wear the purple and gold, and LeBron reportedly appreciates what Harden can bring to the roster. Following their conversation, James personally reached out to Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, encouraging the front office to push forward with a potential trade. However, a major hurdle remains—the Lakers are still uncertain what the 76ers would demand in return for Harden, and that price could make or break any potential deal.

At the same time, there is a faint possibility of Harden joining the Milwaukee Bucks. But that option is clouded by the uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s long-term future. Trust is hard to earn and easy to lose—if Giannis does not commit to a contract extension with Milwaukee, Harden would be unlikely to consider them a viable destination. The Clippers, meanwhile, already have their core stars in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, who have proven their playoff mettle. As a result, their interest in Harden has cooled significantly.

For Harden, time is of the essence. He wants to land with a true title contender, and both the Lakers and Bucks fit that mold. But whether either team will step up and meet the Sixers’ asking price is still an open question. Live Cricket BPL reports that Harden is especially focused on working out a deal with the Lakers, hoping to finalize terms as soon as possible.

In the grand scheme of the trade market, Harden’s situation remains volatile. As a former MVP and one of the league’s most seasoned scorers, his skill set would be a major asset to any team with championship aspirations. In the end, all perseverance comes from passion. Fans now wait to see where Harden will land—and whether he can still rise to the occasion and deliver when it matters most.