http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/qa-james-harden
James supposedly is in the best shape of his life, stronger, faster, better conditioned. James says that the majority of his weight lifting is core work.
He admits that he struggled defensively last year, and says that a major focus this year. He denies that a rivalry is forming with OKC, but did say it felt like they played each other 12 times last year (actually, only nine.)
He's going in thinking of himself as the leader, setting the tone in the workouts, getting on the guys, especially the young guys, about working hard, and commitment to the details.