Harden agrees with Kobe: Current style won't win title
The Houston Rockets have recovered from losing 11 of their first 20 games this season thanks to James Harden's nightly heroics.
However, Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant has been in Harden's position before, and told ESPN's Rachel Nichols, "I don't think that style is ever going to win championships."
Harden agrees with Bryant but suggests his on-ball dominance is a product of the Rockets' injury troubles this season, as Chris Paul, Eric Gordon, and Clint Capela have all missed extended time.
"I have to be ball dominant because we have injuries," Harden said, according to the Houston Chronicle's Jonathan Feigen. "But when we get Chris (Paul) in a rhythm and Eric (Gordon) back and our full roster, we have multiple guys that can make plays, dominate the ball.
"For right now, he's probably right. This way won't get us where we want to go. We haven't had a full roster yet. I'm excited for that."
Harden's recent offensive output has been matched only by Wilt Chamberlain, as the reigning MVP has reached the 30-point plateau in 27 straight games and is averaging 42 points per contest during that stretch.
Regardless of its effectiveness in the playoffs, Harden's dominance has translated to victories for the Rockets, as they now find themselves in fifth in the Western Conference after the slow start.
The 29-year-old is averaging 36.5 points, eight assists, and 6.8 rebounds through 50 appearances.