James Harden’s secret message to Ivica Zubac before a dominant game against the Lakers

Behind the night monsters from Ivica ZubacThe LA Clippers managed to win Los Angeles Lakers for second time this season and took a 2-1 lead in the season series. Zubac finished the night with 18 points and 19 rebounds, helping the Clippers to a 112-104 win at Intuit Dome.

However, before arriving at the arena for the game, Zubac revealed that he had additional motivation.

In his post-match press conference after the win, James Harden said he relayed the message to his Croatian big man during the team’s morning scrimmage on the Intuit Dome practice field.

“I went in and shot this morning and I saw him, I think he’s in treatment or something,” Harden told reportersaccording to Justin Russo of Russo Writes. “If you interview him, ask him what I told him. Basically, I told him we need a 20 (point) and 15 (rebound) game from him tonight.”

Zubac finished with 10 offensive rebounds, more than anyone else playing together. The Lakers finished with six offensive rebounds as a team, and the Clippers scored 15 second-chance points in the eight-point victory.

With Harden struggling to score and Kawhi Leonard on a minutes limit, Ivica Zubac was also one of just four players to score for the Clippers in the fourth quarter with six points, trailing only Jordan Miller (eight points) and John Collins (seven points).

“We need that every night,” Harden added. “Physically, rebounding the basketball, around the rim, finishing, dunking the basketball. He was the perfect example of that tonight. It was much needed.”

James Harden, on Ivica Zubac night: “We need that every night. I went in and shot it this morning and I saw him. … Ask him what I told him. Basically, I told him we need a 20-15 game from him tonight. … He was a perfect example of that tonight.” pic.twitter.com/0cKs483Kf53

— Justin Russo (@FliBiKnite) January 23, 2026

Shortly after James Harden was available to the media, Zubac took time to speak with media representatives, where he confirmed the message from the team’s star point guard.

“Nothing”, Zubac originally said with a smile before the break.” No, he told me something. He gave me some motivation for the pregame, he said he needed 20 and 15 from me, so there were a few motivational factors tonight. But I’m glad we won.”

Ivica Zubac, on what James Harden told him: “He told me something. He gave me some motivation for the pregame, he said he needed 20-15 from me. There were several motivational factors tonight. But I’m glad we won.” pic.twitter.com/kacSuIIzKS

— Justin Russo (@FliBiKnite) January 23, 2026

Kawhi Leonard finished as the leading scorer for the Clippers, recording 24 points, five rebounds and four assists. James Harden added 18 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists, while John Collins added 13 points and five rebounds, including a late-game dagger 3-pointer in front of the Lakers’ bench.

Additionally, the Clippers bench had three players score in double figures with Jordan Miller (14 points), Kobe Sanders (11 points) and Brook Lopez (10 points).

With the win, the LA Clippers improved to 20-24 while winning 14 of their last 17 games. Their next game is at home against the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night.