Dillon Brooks and LeBron James had plenty to say to each other as the Phoenix Suns brought an end to the Los Angeles Lakers’ seven-game win streak.
Dillon Brooks put up 33 points in a strong performance, helping the Suns take down the Lakers while spending much of the game going back and forth with LeBron James. At one point, he even copied LeBron’s signature celebration after a breakaway dunk.
Brooks has always been one to get under people’s skin, but in past matchups with the NBA legend, it has not really worked in his favour. During last year’s playoffs, he tried something similar but ended up struggling badly as James led the Lakers to a six-game series win.
But this season has been different for Brooks. He is finally backing up his talk with strong play on the court, and after this win over James and the Lakers, he did not hold back when asked about their history.
Dillon Brooks says LeBron James likes people who ‘bow down’
The Phoenix forward has always been a player who refuses to back down from anyone, and that attitude was on full display again.
Since Kevin Durant was traded, that edge has given the Suns the spark they needed. It has kept them in the playoff mix when many thought their season was over, and it played a big role in snapping their two-game losing streak in Los Angeles.
Even as the Lakers fell behind, LeBron seemed relaxed during the third quarter, sharing laughs with teammates and opponents alike.
But Brooks stepped in to break up the mood. He managed to frustrate the Lakers star enough that teammates had to pull him away from an exchange during a timeout later in the game.
Afterwards, Brooks explained his reaction by saying he noticed James laughing with teammates and wanted to send a message.
“I’m a competitor, man. I don’t really like the smiling and the giggling and all that. Just letting him know that I’m here and I’m still rising.”
When asked if James reacted poorly to his trash talk, Brooks replied: “Always, always, always. He likes people who are going to bow down. I don’t bow down. That either entices him or aggravates him, either or.”
Dillon Brooks has been the surprise of the season
Brooks was more of a side note in the Kevin Durant deal that sent him to Houston. The big draw for Phoenix was supposed to be Jalen Green, who many thought would quickly form a dynamic duo with Devin Booker. But it has been Brooks who has emerged as the key figure this season.
While Booker secured a $150 million extension in the offseason, it is the 29-year-old forward who has taken on the leadership role. He has become the emotional core of his new team and has helped push the Suns into being one of the better defensive units in the league.
And he has not just brought toughness and energy. His offensive numbers have reached new heights this year as well. He is averaging 21.5 points per game, and against Los Angeles, he shot 15-22 from the field, showing off a more polished scoring touch than we have seen before.
Nobody expected Brooks to take over like this before opening night, especially not against a Lakers side sitting at 15-4. But his development has become one of the unexpected stories of Phoenix’s season.
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