Someone has got their hands on the Pixel 2 XL 'muskie', the cancelled version of Google's flagship smartphone of 2017. Produced by HTC, the muskie went big on bezels, so it is no wonder that Google eventually went with LG for the Pixel 2 XL, instead.
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Pixel-2-XL-prototype-unit-appears-online-offering-an-insight-into-why-Google-chose-LG-over-HTC-for-its-flagship-smartphone-of-2017.518177.0.html
I have to disagree, from memory the back chatter around the decision was because Samsung could not provide the quantity of OLED panels required for both the Pixel 2 and XL, or it may have been due to cost.
LG would only provide Google with the panels required if they were able to manufacture the device (or they offered a discounted price in the panels if they were able to manufacture the XL, I don't remember which one it was).