The tension between LeBron James and Dillon Brooks isn’t just a subplot anymore-it’s becoming the headline. And according to former NBA big man Kendrick Perkins, this back-and-forth has officially crossed the line from a heated matchup to a full-blown rivalry that’s reshaping the narrative around the Phoenix Suns and the broader NBA landscape.
“This is the best 1-on-1 rivalry in sports.”
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 25, 2025
Kendrick Perkins says that Dillon Brooks and LeBron James is the best rivalry in sports 😳
(via @RoadTrippinShow)
pic.twitter.com/nv5dw27DPr
Speaking on the Road Trippin’ Show, Perkins didn’t hold back when describing just how impactful Brooks has been-not just for the Suns, but for the league’s entertainment factor.
“When you think about the Phoenix Suns, you don’t think about Devin Booker right now,” Perkins said. “You think about Dillon Brooks.
I don’t give a damn what nobody say, this guy has become one of my favorite players in the NBA. Winning follows him.
They hadn’t had a leader like him since CP3. He’s a culture changer.
This is the best one-on-one rivalry in sports.”
That’s high praise, especially when you consider the names involved. LeBron James-arguably the most iconic player of his generation-has traded more than just buckets with Brooks this season.
There’s been jawing, postgame soundbites, viral moments, and, most importantly, competitive fire. Perkins doubled down, calling it the best individual rivalry in all of sports right now.
And based on what we’ve seen so far, it’s hard to argue.
The Lakers and Suns have already squared off three times this season, with Phoenix taking two of those matchups. Most recently, the Suns put on a show in a 132-108 win at Mortgage Matchup Center. The Lakers’ lone win came in a tight 116-114 battle back on December 14.
But this rivalry isn’t just about the scoreboard-it’s about the moments. In their latest clash, Brooks went viral for high-fiving LeBron after hitting a free throw. It was a subtle gesture, but one that lit up social media and added yet another layer to their growing tension.
And Brooks isn’t just talking-he’s producing. Through three games against the Lakers this season, he’s averaging 25.3 points while shooting a blistering 62% from the field and 45% from deep.
He’s doing all of that in just over 27 minutes per game. That’s not just efficient-it’s surgical.
LeBron, for his part, has been solid but not dominant in these matchups. He’s putting up 19.7 points, 4.3 assists, and 1.7 rebounds per game against Phoenix, shooting 43.9% from the field and 35.7% from three. For a player who’s made a career out of rising in big moments, you can bet he’s circling the next two meetings on the calendar.
And those meetings are coming. The Lakers and Suns will see each other again on February 26 in Phoenix and April 10 at Crypto.com Arena. If the first three games were any indication, those matchups will be must-watch TV.
In the meantime, both teams are entering key stretches of their seasons. The Lakers (19-9) are about to kick off a five-game homestand on Christmas Day, hosting the Houston Rockets (17-10) in a primetime slot. Luka Dončić is expected to return for that one, adding even more intrigue to the holiday slate.
The Suns (16-13), meanwhile, are hitting the road for a four-game trip that starts with back-to-back games against the struggling New Orleans Pelicans (8-23). Those games tip off Friday and Saturday night, and Phoenix will be looking to build momentum behind Brooks’ fiery play.
Whether you’re a fan of the Lakers, the Suns, or just good old-fashioned basketball drama, the LeBron-Brooks saga is delivering. It’s not just about stats or standings-it’s about pride, identity, and two players who refuse to back down.
As Perkins said, this isn’t just another NBA beef. It’s a rivalry with real weight, and with two more chapters still to be written this season, it’s far from over.