What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas... unless what happens -- or more specifically doesn't happen -- is seen by thousands in person and hundreds of thousands more on television and social media. Such is the case with LeBron James and Russell Westbrook, who shared space in the Thomas and Mack Center Friday, taking in the Summer Lakers' game against... well, it doesn't matter. Nobody remembers anything about what happened after, because everyone was talking about how L.A.'s stars had zero interaction while courtside, before Westbrook ducked out after halftime. Maybe it means something, maybe it doesn't, but there's a zero percent chance both guys weren't fully aware of how people would react.
So what's going on here?
LeBron has been, reportedly, very active in his support for trading Westbrook to bring Kyrie Irving to Los Angeles. Or, ostensibly, to bring anyone who isn't Russ to Los Angeles. Is that going to create friction between the two of them that potentially undoes all the work the team has done to put on a brave and even enthusiastic face about the return of Westbrook for a second season, following last year's disaster? Does it matter if Darvin Ham says all the right stuff, if LeBron has leaned on the team in ways Russ finds disrespectful?
Amazing what a half of Summer League can do, because people are left with a lot -- A LOT -- of questions, including whether James might even lean on the Lakers to do the proverbial something before he agrees to an extension in August.
Much, much more to come on this, likely, over the next week or so.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzy
SEGMENT 1: LeBron and Westbrook... don't get friendly in Vegas.
SEGMENT 2: Can the Lakers pretend to have a repaired and healthy relationship with Westbrook if LeBron doesn't appear on board?
SEGMENT 3: How much leverage does LeBron have to make a deal happen?
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