Dillon Brooks has made it his mission to be a thorn in LeBron James' side on the basketball court. In every matchup between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers this season, Brooks has brought an extra edge, aiming to unsettle the Lakers' star.
But this isn't a new development. Brooks has been trying to get under LeBron's skin since his days with the Memphis Grizzlies.
He sees James as a prime target, knowing that LeBron typically doesn't retaliate. Brooks believes that with enough persistence, he can agitate or even rattle the NBA legend.
In a candid chat on the Million Dollaz Worth of Game show, Brooks shared his thoughts: “I feel like LeBron doesn’t know how to handle it. You know, he’ll like tweak out.”
LeBron James, often hailed as one of the greatest to ever play the game, presents a formidable challenge. Yet, Brooks emphasizes that fear isn't part of his game plan.
He recalled his rookie season in 2017, facing LeBron for the first time in a close game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The memory is vivid.
“The first thing I said was, ‘Oh st.’ He’s big as fk.
Like he’s huge. Tall, massive, like how the hell am I going to guard this guy?”
Brooks reminisced.
He described the anxiety of guarding LeBron in a nail-biting finish where the Cavaliers edged out a 116-111 victory. Brooks remembers the nerves, the pressure, and the moment LeBron drove to the lane, scoring with ease.
“After that moment I was like, I’ll never, ever feel that way again.”
Brooks' determination to challenge LeBron highlights the mental and physical battles that unfold in the NBA, where respect is earned through relentless competition.