Houston Rockets: James Harden stopped by French police with Lil Baby

Houston Rockets fans have long been aware of James Harden’s frivolous life outside of basketball. Harden became known throughout league circles for his work-hard-play-hard lifestyle, which saw him become one of the league’s best players and most visible purveyors of the nightlife.

Today added another chapter in Harden’s fast-growing story of non-basketball-related drama. While attending the Paris Fashion show with rapper Lil Baby, Harden was stopped and frisked by French Police officers.

Bravo à la police française ??‍♂️ des incompétents… même pas capable de reconnaître James HARDEN

Houston Rockets: James Harden and Lil Baby have a history

The scene went viral as a witness captured the moment on video but Harden was not brought into custody and no charges were filed. However, his friend, Lil Baby, was not quite as lucky. The rapper was apprehended along with another unnamed person after 20 grams of marijuana were found by French authorities in his car.

Harden has had a tumultuous year and many of the controversies surrounding him have been of his own doing. He showed up late to Rockets training camp and was pictured very publically and maskless at a party in Las Vegas and then at a birthday party for his friend Lil Baby, both were at the height of the coronavirus pandemic before vaccines were available.

Houston Rockets: Should James Harden end his friendship with Lil Baby?

James Harden might not be a Rocket anymore but if his recent penchant for the wrong type of spotlight is any indication, the franchise traded him at the right time. Perhaps this moment will be a wake-up call for Harden that hanging out with Lil Baby when you’re a full-grown man isn’t the best idea.

Harden has long been able to balance being a professional in pursuit of basketball greatness with the occasional forays into fun. However, for as great as Harden is on the court, his hard-partying ways seem like they’re starting to catch up with him.