Sensitivity aside, focus on Durant’s play

As the NBA surges back into the headlines:

We’ve known for a while that Kevin Durant is sensitive to criticism. We learned this week how much he enjoys being combative on social media, allegedly using an anonymous Twitter account to take thirdperson shots at his former head coach and teammates (save Russell Westbrook) in Oklahoma City.

We also learned from a San Francisco magazine article that Durant took so much heat for his move to the Warriors — from fans, opposing players and national media — he had a panicky meltdown a few days after his decision during a promotional tour in China, telling his agent and business partner, “Why the f— did you let me do this to my life?”

Just remember this: Durant settled down, joined the Warriors and continued to dominate people in a manner never quite witnessed in the NBA. For the opposition, it’s a bit like standing helplessly underneath an electrical storm. Durant’s social-media obsession means there will be more backlash in OKC this season, and more ridicule from various sources. Maybe he will rise above the fray of irrelevance, maybe not. Just watch the court. You’ll rarely see anyone so in command of his profession.

Peter Vecsey, known for his aggressive reporting years ago for New York newspapers and NBC television, has returned to the NBA scene with his own website. Vecsey reported this week that, according to his sources, LeBron James has a “100 percent chance” of joining the Lakers next year. That’s been a hot rumor for weeks, and imagine LeBron trying to keep his composure as people bombard him with L.A. questions.

Andrew Bogut played on James’ team for exactly 58 seconds last season before breaking a leg and vanishing. Thanks to head coach Luke Walton’s aggressive recruiting, Bogut recently signed a one-year deal with the Lakers. It’s interesting enough to picture Bogut alongside Lonzo Ball, Brook Lopez and Brandon Ingram on that increasingly fascinating team. Is it possible he’d stick around and hook up with LeBron again?

Ex-Cal guard Phil Chenier will have his No. 45 jersey retired by Washington this year, joining those of Wes Unseld, Elvin Hayes, Gus Johnson and Earl Monroe in the rafters. Not a bad starting five.