James Harden is facing legal trouble after being arrested and charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon in Houston, Texas, on June 13, according to Harris County court records cited by multiple outlets. The NBA star, 36, was reportedly pulled over in downtown Houston around 3:40 a.m. ET when a police officer allegedly found a handgun inside his vehicle. The weapon was said to be visible and not secured in a holster, according to the court documents.
Following the arrest, Harden was taken into custody and booked on the misdemeanor charge. He was later released on bond a few hours afterward, according to the Houston Chronicle. The arrest has drawn attention because Harden is a high-profile athlete with a long public career in the NBA, making the incident a major off-court development.
Court records indicate that Harden’s bond conditions are strict. He is prohibited from possessing any firearms, ammunition, or other weapons while the case is pending. He is also required to submit to random urine tests before his court date, which is scheduled for June 22. In addition, he is barred from using or possessing alcohol, drugs, or other controlled substances, including marijuana, unless prescribed by a doctor.
The legal proceedings are still in the early stages, and there has been no public response from Harden’s camp so far. E! News reached out to his representative for comment but had not received a response at the time of reporting.
The case adds an unexpected legal complication for Harden, whose name has often been in the spotlight for his basketball accomplishments, team moves, and off-court headlines. The charge itself is a misdemeanor, but the bond restrictions suggest the court is taking the matter seriously as it moves toward the June 22 hearing.
As details continue to emerge, the arrest is likely to remain a closely watched story in both sports and entertainment coverage. For now, the main facts are that Harden was arrested in Houston on June 13, charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon, released on bond, and placed under court-ordered restrictions ahead of his next appearance.
