In the NBA, reputations can be made-or reshaped-during a single playoff series. Just ask Dillon Brooks.
His now-infamous clash with LeBron James during the 2023 playoffs didn’t just spark headlines-it may have altered the course of his career. And years later, the ripple effects of that showdown are still being felt.
Kendrick Perkins recently reignited the conversation during an appearance on Road Trippin’, where he didn’t mince words. According to Perkins, Brooks’ decision to go at LeBron-verbally and physically-played a major role in Memphis’ decision to move on from the defensive-minded wing.
“That playoff series when he poked that bear,” Perkins said. “Y’all forget Memphis parted ways with Dillon Brooks.
Now it was a mistake on Memphis’ part, cuz I love Dillon Brooks, but I’m just saying.”
Let’s rewind to that series. Brooks didn’t just talk trash-he made it personal.
He called out LeBron publicly, questioning his age and impact. But when the lights were brightest, it was LeBron who answered.
Brooks was ejected for a flagrant foul and later suspended, and the Grizzlies were bounced from the first round. The fallout was swift: Brooks’ time in Memphis came to an end.
Now, let’s be clear-Brooks wasn’t just let go because of one playoff series. The Grizzlies were already heading toward a roster reset, and Brooks had signed with the Houston Rockets, a team eager to turn a new page. But Perkins’ comments highlight how moments like that-when a player steps into the spotlight and the outcome doesn’t go their way-can shape how they’re perceived inside front offices around the league.
Brooks has since carved out a role in Houston, bringing his trademark edge and defensive intensity to a young team trying to find its identity. But that LeBron moment still lingers in NBA circles, not just because of what happened on the court, but because it showed how quickly things can shift in this league.
Speaking of LeBron, he's still commanding attention at age 41, and the league is watching closely as he approaches potential free agency this summer. While no decisions have been made, the Golden State Warriors are reportedly keeping tabs on the situation. The idea of pairing LeBron with Stephen Curry has floated around before, and if James hits the open market on June 30, don’t be surprised if that chatter picks up again.
Even now, LeBron’s presence is shaping front-office strategies and roster speculation-just as it did back in 2023. That’s the kind of gravitational pull he’s had for two decades. And for players like Dillon Brooks, who dared to challenge the king, the echoes of those battles still resonate today.