The Los Angeles Clippers enter this season with less star power than last year after Paul George left for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency and Kawhi Leonard was sidelined indefinitely with right knee inflammation.

Now James Harden leads the team as the clear leader and best option. In an interview with ESPN's Shams Charania, Harden noted that this year's Clipper team is failing to do that “Have room for error like many other teams.”

“I've been in situations like this where we don't have as much as other teams, but then my leadership really, really has to come through. We don't have any room for error like many other teams. We need to be detailed and precise in everything we do, and that starts with me. We started in the summer and had a really good pre-season. I think it's just a really good start for us.

Harden's response was in response to this question: “Do you see yourself as 'the man' here now that you're starting the season without Kawhi?” What’s your mentality?”

Last season, Leonard averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game. George posted 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals. This two-way star pair led the Clippers in scoring, and it will be difficult for the team to replace that performance.

The Clippers also face the challenge of competing for the playoffs in a star-studded Western Conference, where 11 teams hit .500 or better and 10 teams finished the season with 46 or more wins. Currently, only a few teams are in a rebuilding phase, with most teams in the West eyeing a spot in the NBA Finals. That makes things that much more difficult for the Clippers and Harden, although he appears to be up to the challenge.

“I've been in this situation before, so it's easy for me,” Harden told Charania when asked about his experience on a team that has been underrated in the past.

“I feel comfortable in this role. And then you get the opportunity to develop guys. Guys who feel like they don't have the most confidence or are still trying to step into that role, it kind of helps guys build their gut feeling.” Someone like Kai Jones, who hasn't really had a chance in his league. I think my experience will help him.

Ultimately, Harden faces the tall task of leading a team as its lone star, although the Clippers certainly have solid talent from last year's 51-win team, including Norman Powell, Terance Mann and Ivica Zubac, among others.

Game 1 for the Clippers is Wednesday at their new home, the Intuit Dome, against the Phoenix Suns.