
Interview: James Harden Talks LeBron’s Decison 2.0, Drake And More

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With LeBron taking a break, and KD and Paul George sidelined, things are sort of resting on your shoulders. Are you ready to be the new leader for Team USA?
I guess I don’t have a choice. Honestly, there are so many great pieces on this team that can contribute different things and that’s what it’s mainly about. We really play as a team, but I’m looking forward to the challenge of winning gold.
Speaking of LeBron, what was your reaction to him heading home and is that something you’d ever consider doing? Please say yes, because I’m a Lakers fan (Ed. Note: Harden is from L.A.)
(Laughs) I kinda knew he a few years ago, like in 2012, that he’d head back to Cleveland.
How’d you know that?
Just in conversations that we had during the Olympics. He went to Miami to win championships and he won two, but he’s back home and we’re all excited for him.
Lupe Fiasco was the music director for US Men’s soccer. Give me the five artists you’d want to curate or create music for USA Men’s basketball.
I’d have to start with Jay Z and then I’d go with Drake. Meek Mill, Rick Ross (pauses to think). Yeah, go with Lil Wayne too. Anyone one of them would be great.
What do you think about Drake’s influence with the Toronto Raptors?
He’s definitely putting on for his city. I think it’s good for their organization. When he first came on as an ambassador I didn’t know what that would mean, but he’s really doing a great job.
Were you surprised by how much the Raptors organization stood by him after the whole issue with tampering and KD at OVO Fest?
(Laughs) No, they were supposed to stick with him. He definitely feels like he’s a part of the league now that he got hit with a fine.
In your new commercial with Scottie Pippen and Charles Barkley, you guys joke about having a short term memory. What’s been the one NBA moment you’ve had to gorget about quickly.
I want to say you have to forget about every game, but for me, the whole playoffs. I struggled a bit but I have to put the previous games behind me. If you can do that, you can be successful in the league.
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