Dillon Brooks has made a name for himself as one of the NBA’s most unapologetic agitators - and on Monday night, he backed it up in a big way. In a 125-108 road win over the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooks didn’t just stir the pot - he owned the kitchen. Dropping 33 points and setting the tone on both ends, he led a shorthanded Phoenix Suns squad to a statement win inside Crypto.com Arena.
"I'm a competitor man. I don't really like the smiling, the giggling and all that. Just letting him know I'm here and I'm still rising."
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 2, 2025
Dillon Brooks on his interaction with LeBron James in Suns 125-108 win over Lakers.
"He likes people that bow down. I don't bow down. That… pic.twitter.com/7saE1Qg8qt
This wasn’t just a good night for Brooks. It was a performance that felt personal - especially considering the opponent.
Any time LeBron James is on the other side of the floor, Brooks seems to find another gear. And while their history is well-documented, Monday’s game added another chapter.
Brooks didn’t just show up - he imposed his will.
Offensively, he played with force and purpose, bullying smaller Lakers guards on switches and getting to his spots with ease. Whether it was in the post, midrange, or attacking closeouts, Brooks looked completely in control.
His physicality wasn’t just about scoring - it was about setting a tone. And on defense, he was relentless.
He helped force turnovers, disrupted passing lanes, and made life difficult for James, who barely extended his streak of consecutive 10-point games.
After the game, Brooks didn’t shy away from the spotlight - or from LeBron. In fact, he leaned into it.
“I’m a competitor, man,” Brooks said. “I don’t really like the smiling, the giggling and all that.
Just letting him know I’m here and I’m still rising. He likes people that bow down.
I don’t bow down. That either entices him or it aggravates him - either or.”
That mentality - defiant, unfiltered, and unafraid - is exactly what makes Brooks such a unique presence. He’s not trying to be liked.
He’s trying to win. And for a Suns team that’s still finding its identity after a significant offseason shakeup, that kind of edge matters.
Phoenix needed that edge on Monday, especially after losing Devin Booker to a groin injury early in the game. Without their offensive engine, the Suns could’ve folded. Instead, they leaned on Brooks - and he delivered.
There’s no sugarcoating the loss of Booker if he misses extended time. He’s been the Suns’ most consistent offensive threat this season, and his absence will force others to step up.
But if Monday night was any indication, Brooks is more than willing to shoulder the load. He’s not just talking - he’s producing.
And while his approach may rub some the wrong way, there’s no denying his impact. Brooks brings a fire that this Suns team can rally around - especially when they’re counted out.
He’s not here to make friends. He’s here to compete.
And on nights like this, that’s exactly what makes him so valuable.