In an era where NBA relationships off the court are sometimes just as talked about as the ones on it, James Harden continues to keep his spotlight. Whether it’s lighting up the court with a stepback three or showing up courtside with fashion designer girlfriend Paije Speights, Harden stays headline-worthy. While breakups often trend faster than playoff wins in the league, Harden and Speights have managed to stay consistent in the public eye, not for drama, but for love.

Recently, Speights, who is known for her low-key social media presence and high-key fashion moments, let the internet in on another heartfelt glimpse into her relationship with “The Beard.” In the midst of swirling NBA headlines of bold bonds like the one of LeBron and Laker going ‘silent’ and then former friendships fraying, Harden’s partner dropped a simple, three-word love message that said it all.

On Speights’ latest Instagram post, she gave a snap of her and Harden partying, being silly, laughing in a way that speaks of a relationship very much alive and well. The three-word post immediately drew attention from fans who have been following the couple since their quiet debut at Rajon Rondo’s wedding last summer. Whether it was a playful nod to a subtle inside joke or a veiled love note to Harden, it left fans buzzing. “I prefer favoritism.” Harden, fresh off a dramatic transition to the LA Clippers, looked relaxed and happy beside her, enjoying a break from the relentless noise of NBA politics.

The couple has never leaned into the press, but when they do let moments slip, they tend to go viral. Whether it was the bouquet moment in Italy, the one-hour-fifty-five-minute phone call Harden made to Speights after she injured her back at the gym, or her rare reveal of that moment in her story, fans can’t seem to get enough. They even celebrated the New Year together, posting a cozy photo with the caption, “New year. Same us ❤🤞🏽✨.” And the timing of this new post, where Harden and Speights look genuinely joyful, couldn’t be more interesting.

And just as Speights was posting her now-famous “favoritism” moment, Harden’s former teammate Joel Embiid was opening up in an emotional interview that laid bare the strange, painful fallout between two players once considered among the NBA’s most dominant duos.

Love blooms in LA as old bonds in Philly go cold

“No one knows this, but even James [Harden] is not talking to me,” Embiid told ESPN’s Dotun Akintoye. “That’s the part I don’t like about being ‘that guy,’ because it puts you in the middle of those situations. Because if you ask James, he probably believes I had something to do with him not being here.” This wasn’t a vague comment or a cryptic subtweet…it was a direct confession. Harden and Embiid, who once tore through defenses with an unstoppable pick-and-roll, are no longer on speaking terms.

“I won the scoring title. You won the assists title. We had a pick-and-roll that was unstoppable,” Embiid continued. “It hurts when you feel like you haven’t done anything wrong. When you think you have a relationship like that with somebody… you lose a lot.” Embiid has always tried to remain above front-office politics, claiming he avoids getting involved in trades or firings. Yet even he knows that, in today’s NBA, perception is often stronger than fact. Whether or not he had anything to do with Harden’s departure, the damage appears done.

It’s a stark contrast. On one hand, James Harden is in Los Angeles, smiling and dancing with Speights, receiving affection in three-word bursts. On the other hand, Embiid is in Philadelphia, still carrying the weight of yet another fallen partnership. One relationship is blooming under the Instagram spotlight. The other ghosted into silence. 

This is the reality of today’s NBA—where superstar loyalty is fleeting, alliances shift, and continuity is rare. Joel Embiid said it best: “When you feel like you have something, instead of building up on it, you just start over. And that’s been like that every single year.” For now, Harden has seemingly started over—on the court with the LA Clippers, and off it, with a woman who prefers favoritism, and maybe, favors him above all.