James Harden pays tribute to LeBron James, Steph Curry and two others after defeating Hornets

LA Clippers' start guard James Harden paid tribute to LeBron James and Stephen Curry following the Clippers' 117-109 home victory against the Charlotte Hornets on Monday.

James Harden pays tribute to LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Russell Westbrook

Harden expressed his love for James, Curry, as well as Kevin Durant, and Russell Westbrook. He focused on the hard work and dedication needed by the experienced players to achieve such kind of longevity in their sport.

“I work my butt off,” Harden said. “You don’t understand how hard it is to work and the longevity of it. It’s a handful of guys who understand it and know it. A couple of them are still playing at a high level which is a beautiful thing to see.”

“Cherish it,” he added. “Embrace it. Love it. Because once it’s over it’s over. You watch guys like Bron, Steph, KD, Russ do their thing at the highest level still at our age. It’s a beautiful thing to see. It’s a testament to those guys and the work they put in, and we’ve put in, to be able to still doing it this long.”

James Harden's great stats

James Harden, LeBron James and Kevin Durant have been able to defy Father Time. Harden, 36, in his 17th season is averaging 25.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 8.0 assists per game.

On the other hand, LeBron James' longevity is unparalleled, Harden has shown that he can still be the primary offensive threat for the Clippers. He registered 32 points, in his 17th season he averaged 25.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 10 assists in the Clippers' victory over the Hornets, their third straight win.

James Harden leaves Shaquille O'Neal in the NBA All-time scoring list

James Harden on Monday climbed above Shaquille O'Neal to secure ninth place on the NBA's all-time regular-season scoring list. He wrapped up the game with 28,614 points in 1,187 games, leaving behind O'Neal's 28,596, who achieved the feat in 1,207 games.

"Shaquille O'Neal, somebody that I literally grew up watching here in L.A.," Harden said. "Him and Kobe [Bryant] doing their thing, winning multiple championships, the most dominant big man in the history of the game. It's a true honor, it's a testament to the work that I put in."

While he will not be able to catch LeBron James (42,601). He has his eyes set on Wilt Chamberlain's 31,419 points, in just 1,045 games. Above Chamberlain or Karim Abdul-Jabbar (38,387), Karl Malone (36,928). Kobe Bryant (33,643), Michael Jordan (32,292), Dirk Nowitzki (31,560) and Kevin Durant (31,458).