Harden, Khloe might not play well in Houston
Houston, you may have a problem.
The rumored romance between Houston Rockets star James Harden and Khloe Kardashian went public in Las Vegas over the Fourth of July weekend.
Given the way the season ended for Harden and Houston, news of the romance isn’t likely to be cheered by Rockets fans.
They haven’t forgotten Harden’s horrendous 2-of-11 shooting and NBA-record 13 turnovers in a season-ending Game 5 loss in the Western Conference final against Golden State.
Harden getting swept up in the media circus surrounding the limelight-loving Kardashians might not play well in Houston.
The usual drama that accompanies the Kardashians was present.
Khloe’s estranged husband, Lamar Odom, was also in town, as was Harden’s ex-girlfriend, rapper Trina, who summarized her feelings in a two-word tweet: “Sloppy seconds.”
Khloe also dated Trina’s ex, rapper French Montana.
Kardashian filed for divorce from Odom in December 2013, but they remain legally married.
She and Harden were seen dining Saturday at Red 8 at Wynn Las Vegas and were later seen dancing during Chris Brown’s performance at Drai’s Nightclub.
Earlier, Kardashian and Harden were joined in a cabana at Encore Beach with her assistant Malika and Harden’s friends Rick Fox, the retired NBA veteran, and music producer Jermaine Dupri.
SPORTS BOOK MAKEOVER
The world’s largest sports book is getting its first major makeover since it opened at the Las Vegas Hilton in 1986.
Now Westgate Las Vegas, the hotel’s new owner, David Siegel, has started a $12 million renovation that will feature what could be the largest high-definition screen around.
“It will feel like you’re at the Super Bowl,” said Mark Waltrip, chief operating officer.
The 140-foot-wide screen will be operating by the first weekend of September, in time for the opening of football season.
The 2.5-megapixel screen is reportedly the highest resolution of its kind.
Cherry pickers and lifts have been removing walls, making room for the new look in the 30,000-square-foot space which holds about 1,000.
When the work is completed, there will be an 80-foot-long bar, VIP boxes and a sports bar and grill that will offer more than 100 crafted beers and gourmet gastropub food.
“It’s going to be a real game-changer,” said Waltrip.
RED, WHITE, BLUE VIEW
Every year when the Fourth of July weekend rolls around, I get email asking for recommendations on the best place to watch the fireworks.
After viewing the fireworks from our balcony at Regency Towers, Las Vegas Country Club, I’ve got a couple additions to my Bucket List.
The 360-degree view of fireworks from the High Roller at The Linq would be an amazing experience. Ditto for a helicopter ride amid a sea of red, white and blue.
SIGHTINGS
Mariah Carey and new beau James Packer, partying on the rooftop deck of The Mirage Villas on Saturday. They have been aboard the billionaire’s yacht with friends and her 4-year-old twins Monroe and Moroccan. … Paris Hilton, with boyfriend Thomas Gross, her brother Barron and friends, dining at Lavo (Palazzo) on Saturday. … Comedians Kathy Griffin and Brad Garrett, with friends at the Eiffel Tower restaurant at Paris Las Vegas on Saturday. … Will Smith’s son, Trea, dining at N9ne Steakhouse (Palms) after DJing at Ditch on Friday. Also in N9ne: Terrell Suggs of the Baltimore Ravens.
New Los Angeles Clippers guard Lance Stephenson, at Chris Brown’s table at Drai’s nightclub (Cromwell) on Saturday. … Justin Pugh of the New York Giants, devouring a 24-ounce Porterhouse at Andiamo Italian Steakhouse on Friday at the D. … Bryce Soderberg, bassist for Lifehouse, backstage after taking in “Absinthe” (Caesars Palace) on Friday.
THE PUNCH LINE
“A leading Native American activist is being accused of not being Native American at all. Yeah, another one of those. Authorities grew suspicious after the woman said her tribal name is “Listens to Josh Groban.” — Conan O’Brien
Norm Clarke’s column appears Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He can be reached at 702-383-0244 or email him at norm@reviewjournal.com. Find more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter: @Norm_Clarke
