Harden arrives welcomed by Clips in locker room

LOS ANGELES -- Not long after James Harden and P.J. Tucker walked into their new locker room with the LA Clippers on Tuesday, Russell Westbrook greeted his former Houston Rockets teammates with a handshake and an embrace.

While the trade between the Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers did not become official until Wednesday, Harden and Tucker were welcomed by the Clippers 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. Soon after, team owner Steve Ballmer came over to shake hands with Harden and Tucker.

While Clippers coach Ty Lue and players Kawhi Leonard and Westbrook said Tuesday that they could not comment on the trade until it is official, Westbrook hinted his approval.

"Right now, James and P.J. off-limits. I got nothing for you until it's official," Westbrook said with a smile and a grin after LA beat the Orlando Magic 118-102 on Tuesday night.

In the locker room before the game, Westbrook and Harden were reunited again. The two played together with the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Rockets. 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 Harden's new locker will be situated.

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