Trouble in paradise?

The Lakers (8-1) did all they could after Tuesday's win over Chicago to avoid talking about an on-court confrontation between teammates Sasha Vujacic and Trevor Ariza. The players declined to address the matter in any depth except to say it was over and forgotten. But here's what happened, based on interviews and a brief video clip:

Vujacic missed a 3-pointer and then committed a frustration foul against Chicago's Aaron Gray with 8:37 left in the half. Ariza confronted Vujacic about his shot selection as they walked from the floor during an ensuing timeout. Ariza got up in Vujacic's face and his anger was obvious. Vujacic barked back. Finally, Pau Gasol had to get between them as the three walked to the bench.

After the timeout, with Vujacic and Ariza now out of the game, Lakers coach Phil Jackson had to leave his seat to walk toward the end of the bench to ask Ariza to knock it off. It's a rare moment when Jackson leaves his seat for any reason while play is going on, so you knew it had to be serious.

Jackson later said he wished Ariza hadn't made such a public display of his anger, adding that the situation would best be handled internally.

This isn't the first time in Lakers' history that teammates have sniped at each other, and it probably won't be the last, but it appears there is some serious creative tension in play despite the team's excelent start to the season. It's a situation that bears monitoring.