The Suns and Lakers might not be on anyone’s short list of title favorites this season, but that hasn’t cooled the heat between these two Pacific Division rivals. If anything, the fire’s burning hotter - thanks in large part to one of the NBA’s most polarizing figures: Dillon Brooks.
Brooks brought his trademark edge with him to Phoenix, and it’s been more than just noise. He’s helping reshape the Suns’ identity - especially on the defensive end - and it’s catching the attention of players around the league. That includes Lakers star Luka Doncic, who had some thoughts on Brooks during a recent appearance on the Cousins with Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady podcast.
When Carter asked Doncic who talks the most trash on his own team, Luka didn’t hesitate: “Me.” No surprise there - Doncic has never been shy about mixing it up verbally.
But when the conversation shifted to league-wide trash talkers, Tracy McGrady threw out Anthony Edwards' name. Luka had a different answer.
“Brooks,” he said, without missing a beat.
That drew a smile from Carter, who responded with a “that’s my guy,” while Doncic added, “I love playing against him.”
And why wouldn’t he? The numbers back up the competitive fire.
Doncic has averaged 29.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.1 assists in 12 career games against Brooks. This season alone, in two matchups against Phoenix, he’s putting up 33.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists.
But it hasn’t always translated to wins - Phoenix leads the season series 2-1, including a game where Doncic sat out.
McGrady jumped in after Luka’s comment, saying, “Yeah, you want that challenge… you want to shut him up.” Luka’s response? Simple and respectful: “He’s been playing good this season.”
That might be putting it lightly.
Brooks is in the middle of the best season of his career, and he’s doing it with a chip on his shoulder - the good kind. He’s averaging a career-high 21.2 points per game while shooting a personal-best 44% from the field. More importantly, he’s been the tone-setter for a Phoenix squad that’s found a defensive identity and a winning rhythm.
Against the Lakers, he’s been even more lethal. Brooks is torching LA to the tune of 25.3 points per game, shooting a blistering 62% overall and 45% from deep. Those are video game numbers - and they speak to a player who’s not just talking the talk, but walking it every night, especially when the spotlight’s on.
There’s a mutual respect brewing between Brooks and Doncic, even if it’s wrapped in jabs and jawing. They’re both high-level competitors who thrive on tension, who elevate their games when challenged. And that’s exactly what this rivalry - and the NBA - needs.
Luckily for us, the Suns and Lakers still have two more matchups on the calendar. Circle Thursday, Feb. 26, when Phoenix hosts LA, and then again on April 10 in Los Angeles. If the first three games were any indication, we’re in for more fireworks - and maybe a few more memorable exchanges between two of the league’s loudest and most lethal competitors.