Dillon Brooks vs. LeBron James: The Rivalry That Keeps Heating Up
Dillon Brooks and LeBron James have had their fair share of fiery moments over the years, and this past week added another chapter to their growing rivalry. When the Phoenix Suns hosted the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, things got predictably intense. The Lakers edged out a 116-114 win, but the real story was the back-and-forth between Brooks and James - a matchup that’s becoming must-watch TV.
The game featured some heated exchanges, a technical foul, and plenty of postgame chatter. And even days later, the tension hasn’t cooled off.
Brooks Sounds Off on LeBron: “He Be All Over the Socials”
Following a Suns practice on Wednesday, Brooks was asked about the incident that led to LeBron James picking up a technical foul in the third quarter. His response? Classic Brooks - unfiltered and unapologetic.
“I don't know. I guess he's a social media junkie.
He be all over the socials,” Brooks said. “So he be seeing I guess what I'm saying and when I go out there, he thinks people should think a certain way about him.
Not say nothing about him. Play a certain way.”
Brooks didn’t stop there.
“I'm not going to play that way. He gets in his moods or his modes or whatever it is and I'm all for that,” he added. “I wish we let him shoot that shot and that would have been an airball.”
The moment in question came after Brooks was fouled by Luka Doncic. As Brooks wound up to protect the ball, it ricocheted off LeBron’s shoulder. James didn’t like the contact and let both Brooks and the officials hear about it - earning himself a technical foul in the process.
History Between Brooks and LeBron Runs Deep
This isn’t a new feud. Even before Brooks landed in Phoenix, he’d already carved out a reputation as a thorn in LeBron’s side. Whether it was his time in Memphis or now with the Suns, Brooks has leaned into the villain role - especially when it comes to facing the four-time MVP.
He’s not backing down, and he’s not changing his approach. That’s part of what makes their matchups so compelling.
Brooks brings a physical, in-your-face defensive style that clearly gets under LeBron’s skin. And when the two are jawing, you can feel the tension ripple through the arena.
Looking Ahead: Brooks Already Focused on Lakers Rematch
The Suns won’t be playing on Christmas Day, giving the team a rare chance to enjoy the holiday with family. But before they unwrap gifts, they’ll face the Lakers again - a rematch that Brooks already has circled on his calendar.
“It was out of my system after the whistle blew. It was gone already,” Brooks said of the last game. “I was thinking about the next game, Golden State, and knowing we got the Lakers in a week.”
In that first meeting, Brooks delivered a strong performance, scoring 18 points and shooting 57.1% from three-point range. He even hit a clutch three late in the game - a shot that came with a bit of controversy.
The shot was contested by LeBron, and there was contact. Brooks felt it should’ve been an offensive foul, but instead, he was hit with a second technical and ejected. That only added more fuel to the fire heading into the next showdown.
Rivalry Renewed
This isn’t just another regular-season game. When Brooks and LeBron share the court, it’s personal.
It’s about pride, physicality, and a whole lot of talking. And with another matchup on the horizon, expect the intensity to be dialed up once again.
For Brooks, this is more than just a game - it’s a chance to make a statement. And for LeBron, it’s another opportunity to silence a player who’s never been afraid to challenge him.
One thing’s for sure: when these two meet again, you won’t want to miss it.