LeBron, Dillon Brooks Reignite Rivalry in Lakers-Suns Clash - With a Little Extra Contact
When the Lakers and Suns squared off this week, there was more than just playoff positioning on the line - there was history. And in the NBA, history has a funny way of showing up in the middle of a pick-and-roll.
Late in the second quarter, LeBron James was called for an offensive foul after barreling into Phoenix forward Dillon Brooks while setting a screen. It wasn’t your run-of-the-mill moving pick - it had a little extra behind it. And when it comes to LeBron and Brooks, “extra” is usually part of the package.
These two have been circling each other for a while now. Earlier this month, Brooks got the better of LeBron on a fast break, finishing with a dunk and throwing in some signature taunting for good measure.
Phoenix dominated that game, and Brooks didn’t hold back. LeBron, as usual, didn’t respond publicly.
But if you know LeBron, you know he doesn’t forget.
So when James delivered that screen - the first bump subtle, the second one not so much - it felt like a message. One that the officials picked up on, too.
They hit LeBron with the offensive foul. Brooks was ready to chirp back, maybe even escalate things, but LeBron didn’t bite.
Cooler heads prevailed, but the subtext was loud and clear: LeBron doesn’t let things slide, even if it takes a few weeks to respond.
Now, let’s talk about the broader picture. LeBron James is approaching his 41st birthday later this month - a number that feels almost surreal when you consider how long he’s been playing at an elite level. But for the first time, there are visible signs that time is doing what no defender ever could: slowing him down.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick acknowledged it recently - LeBron can’t carry the scoring load like he used to. And while a sciatica issue has certainly played a role in his recent struggles, the wear and tear of two decades in the league is becoming harder to ignore. Reports of arthritis keeping him off the floor at times only reinforce what we’re seeing on the court.
Through this season, LeBron is averaging 16.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game. Solid numbers by most standards, but for someone who’s redefined the standard for longevity and excellence, it’s a noticeable dip. Still, even in year 22, he’s impacting games with his vision, leadership, and - as Brooks learned - his physicality.
Whether this is LeBron’s final season in purple and gold remains to be seen. But moments like this - a calculated screen, a quiet message sent - remind us that even as the numbers dip, the competitive fire is still burning. And as long as it is, LeBron James will keep finding ways to leave his mark.