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Disgruntled superstar James Harden said the Houston Rockets were “just not good enough” after the team’s second straight loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night, adding that he didn’t think the team can improve enough to be a contender.
“I love this city. I literally did everything I could,” Harden said after the Rockets’ 117-100 loss. “I mean, this situation is crazy. This is something that I don’t think can be fixed.”
This is what Harden is closest to going public with the trade request sources said they made in the offseason.
Houston has had business discussions with several teams but is determined to remain patient until its asking price for Harden is reached, a source told ESPN.
The Rockets (3-6) have lost four of five games since Harden, who resisted early in training camp, returned from a sprained right ankle that caused him to miss a game. He has scored 20 points or less in each of the last four games, his longest such period since 2011-12, his last season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
The loss was particularly uncompetitive, with the Rockets trailing 35-14 at the end of the first quarter.
“We’re not even close, honestly, to this team – obviously the defending champions – and all the other top teams,” said Harden. “I mean, you can make a difference in these last two games.
“We’re just not good enough – chemistry, talent, just everything. And that was clear the last two games.”
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