LeBron vs. Dillon Brooks: Another Chapter in a Heated Rivalry
LeBron James has faced just about everything in his legendary career - triple-teams, buzzer-beaters, Finals heartbreak, and championship glory. But one thing that still seems to get under his skin? Dillon Brooks.
Sunday night in Los Angeles, the Lakers edged out the Phoenix Suns 116-114 in a game that had all the late-game drama you could ask for - and then some. In the spotlight once again was the ongoing tension between James and Brooks, a rivalry that’s become one of the NBA’s most intriguing personal battles.
Sparks Fly in the Fourth
With the game hanging in the balance in the fourth quarter, things got chippy. LeBron and Brooks got tangled up on the baseline, and it didn’t take long for things to escalate.
James, clearly frustrated, had to be held back after a heated exchange - even shoving a referee in the process as he argued for a call. That move earned him a technical foul, a rare moment of visible emotion from the 40-year-old future Hall of Famer.
It’s not often you see LeBron lose his cool like that. He’s built a career on poise and control, especially in crunch time. But Brooks has a unique ability to needle opponents - and this time, he struck a nerve.
Brooks Hits a Big Shot, Then Gets Tossed
With just 12.2 seconds left, Brooks hit a cold-blooded three over LeBron to give the Suns a one-point lead, 114-113. But the shot came with contact - James collided with him on the release - and Brooks wanted the whistle. He didn’t get it.
Instead, he got chest-to-chest with LeBron, let him know exactly how he felt, and earned himself a second technical foul - and an early exit.
Brooks finished with 18 points on an efficient 6-for-9 shooting night, but his ejection opened the door for LeBron to take control.
The King Closes It Out
After Brooks was tossed, LeBron was fouled on a three-point attempt and stepped to the line with the game on the line. He hit two of three free throws to give the Lakers the lead for good.
James wrapped up the night with 26 points, four assists, three rebounds, two blocks, and two steals - a well-rounded performance that showed he’s still got plenty left in the tank, even at 40.
After the game, LeBron didn’t pour fuel on the fire. Instead, he kept it respectful.
“I just like to compete,” he said. “He’s going to compete.
I’m going to compete. We’re going to get up in each other’s face.
Try not to go borderline with it. I don’t really take it there.
But we’re just competing and did that almost all the way to the end of the game.”
A Rivalry with History
This isn’t the first time these two have gone at it. Their feud traces back to the 2023 playoffs, when Brooks - then with the Memphis Grizzlies - made headlines for calling LeBron “old” and saying he doesn’t respect anyone until they drop 40 on him.
LeBron didn’t hit 40 in that series, but he didn’t need to. He averaged 22.2 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists as the Lakers bounced the Grizzlies in six games.
After the series, James posted a photo on Instagram with the caption: “If you ever see me fighting in the forest with a Grizzly bear, HELP THE BEAR.” A not-so-subtle nod to who got the last laugh.
Since then, Brooks has continued to play the role of antagonist, now in a Suns uniform, and LeBron continues to respond the best way he knows how - by winning.
Bigger Than Trash Talk
What makes this rivalry compelling isn’t just the back-and-forth jabs or the physicality. It’s the contrast in styles.
Brooks thrives on chaos, on getting under your skin, on pushing the edge. LeBron, meanwhile, has built his legacy on control, IQ, and execution.
When those two approaches collide, it’s must-watch basketball.
And while Brooks may have gotten his shot off Sunday night, it was LeBron - once again - who had the final say.
In a league that’s always looking for its next great rivalry, this one continues to deliver.