There has been a lot of media coverage on the chemistry issues and drama in the Houston Rockets‘ locker room, but after their elimination at the hands of the Golden State Warriors last night, there was more love between the players than expected.

Especially surprising were James Harden’s comments about Dwight Howard.

According to various reports, Howard will opt out of his contract with Houston this offseason and sign elsewhere for 2016-17. He hasn’t clicked within the Rockets’ system, and he appears to want (another) fresh start.

RELATED: Dwight Howard will leave Rockets, 3 destinations cited

Apparently, if it was up to Harden, Howard would remain in Houston moving forward.

“I mean, ultimately it’s his decision,” Harden said, via Calvin Watkins of ESPN. “But you know obviously we love Big Fella here and I guess he’ll go back with his family and figure it out.”

Howard’s relationship with Harden has been strenuous, at best. In the past, both players reportedly tried to get the other traded, and they were primarily responsible for the rift that developed in the locker room.

Perhaps this is just Harden trying to save face. Or, maybe he actually understands what kind of player he’s going to likely lose in free agency.

Regardless, it’s definitely a change of pace from the usual quotes and reports coming from the Rockets these days, in a good way.