James Harden arrives in L.A., welcomed in Clippers' locker room
James Harden and P.J. Tucker walked into their new locker room with the LA Clippers, Russell Westbrook greeted his former Houston Rockets teammates with a handshake and an embrace.
While the proposed trade between the Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers had not become official as of late Tuesday evening in L.A., Harden and Tucker were welcomed by the Clips the moment they got out of their SUV in the Crypto.com Arena loading dock.
Team president Lawrence Frank was there to greet both players and walk them to the Clippers' locker room.
While Clippers coach Ty Lue and players Kawhi Leonard and Westbrook said they could not comment on the trade until it is official, Westbrook hinted his approval.
In the locker room before the game, Westbrook and Harden were reunited again. The two played together in Oklahoma City and Houston.
Westbrook snapped out of his typical pregame routine and joked with Harden that he can stay on the other side of the locker room, where his new locker is situated across the room from Westbrook's locker.
Eventually, Tucker and Harden sat near Westbrook and Paul George to catch up over an hour before the Clippers faced the Magic.
The expectation is that the trade will become official Wednesday. Still, Harden and Tucker likely will not suit up against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Clippers have four days off before they open a three-game road swing in New York against the Knicks on Monday.