James Harden disses relationship with Khloe Kardashian: 'I had to eliminate that'

Khloe Kardashian and James Harden dated for eight months.

Khloe Kardashian
James Harden and Khloe Kardashian split after dating for eight months REUTERS

NBA star James Harden has opened up about his split with American reality television star Khloe Kardashian. The 27-year-old basketball player revealed he was unhappy with the attention surrounding the couple's relationship.

During an interview with Sports Illustrated, Harden explained why he ended his eight-month romance with the reality star. He said" "I didn't like all the attention. I feel like it was for no reason. I wasn't getting anything out of it except my name out there and my face out there, and I don't need that. It wasn't uncomfortable, but it wasn't me."

"I don't need pictures of myself when I'm driving my car. Who cares? What shoes am I wearing? Who cares? Where am I eating? Who cares? It was unnecessary stuff that I think trickled down to my teammates. I had to eliminate that," he added.

The couple are believed to have begun dating in July 2015 after partying together in Los Angeles. At that time, during an interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Kardashian said Harden was supportive her decision to be with estranged husband Lamar Odom. The 37-year-old athlete was undergoing treatment after he was found unconscious at the Love Ranch brothel in Nevada.

Kardashian was by Odom's side during his time at the hospital. She added: "And thank God I have a fantastic family who loves me and loves him just as much. And they're so supportive and they're with me and I have a great boyfriend [James Harden] who's understanding."