Ryan slumped onto the bench as assistants murmured around him.
"What's up with LaVonte? Feels like he's targeting Ryan."
"Maybe it's the buzz around Ryan lately. Wouldn't be the first time LaVonte gave a rookie the welcome committee treatment."
Ryan stayed silent, towel draped over his head.
Crawford rattled off second-quarter assignments—Ryan, Darius, Sloan, Stanley, Omar.
As the group stood, a ripple of disbelief spread through the Roares' bench. LaVonte was checking back in.
"LaVonte's staying in? After playing the whole first?"
"For what? It's a regular season game and they're up 19."
Kamara, towel draped over his head, rubbed his chin thoughtfully. His eyes narrowed, locking onto Ryan.
Ryan's face had gone pale. Of course he knew why. LaVonte wasn't staying in for the team. He was staying in for him.
