old enemies Lebron James And dillon brooks See you Tuesday in Phoenix.
Los Angeles Lakers And phoenix sun There have been two matchups this season – both extremely competitive contests that have reignited the competitive battle between James and Brooks. Anger first began to rise in 2021, when James Exhibited “Too small” celebration at game against Brooks.
However, it was during the first round series between the Lakers and memphis grizzlies In 2003 his run-in reached new heights. And although the two have had their fair share of battles on the court, it’s all about competition.
“He’s a great competitor. I love going against him. And he was definitely making the hoop tonight. He shot the ball exceptionally well and kept them in the game,” James Said after a 105-104 overcome Houston Rockets In November 2023. james Did “tiny” Celebration in that game too.
Here’s a timeline of memorable conversations between Brooks and James over the years.
December 2025: ‘Social media crazy’
James dropped 26 points and hit two late free throws to secure a spot 116-114 A win for the Lakers in a game that included several dustups with Brooks.
Late in the second quarter, James collided with Brooks and knocked him to the ground, causing Suns to stand up and stare at James.
At the beginning of the third, Brooks drove to the basket, but was fouled luka doncic As soon as he tried to fire. The ball went in the air, as soon as it came down, Brooks hit it and it hit James. This prompted an animated response from James, who began teasing Brooks and had to be restrained.
As the Suns came back from a 20-point deficit, Brooks drained a go-ahead 3-pointer with 12.2 seconds remaining – then fouled out after initiating chest-to-chest contact with James. After being fouled, the Lakers star put his team ahead with two free throws on the next possession devin booker On a 3 point attempt.
Although Brooks did not address the media after the game, three days later he called James a “social media junkie.”
December 2025: ‘I do not bow down’
Brooks drops 33 points on Suns 125-108 victory, adding to the celebration that included staring at James after a transition dunk and giving an exaggerated shoulder shrug, similar to the four-time NBA champion’s frequent gesture.
James took note of Brooks’ actions, stopping by Phoenix’s bench during a timeout at the end of the third and directing words toward the forward. Brooks retreated after scoring in the fourth quarter bronnie james Before being called for travel. LeBron, sitting on the bench, responded by giving a thumbs up.
After the game, Brooks explained how he interprets James’ energy — and how he reacts to it.
Brooks, “He likes people to bend.” Said“I don’t give in, So, it’s either tempt him or excite him—either-or,”
January 2024: ‘Next Question’
The first two meetings between Brooks and James were relatively drama-free since the 2023 series. However, Brooks changed that on January 29, 2024, when he knocked James to the floor after the Lakers star was hit in the face while both were struggling for a rebound. Brooks was called to a major.
When James was asked about Brooks in an interview after the game, he immediately said Said: “next question.”
April 2023: ‘Help the Bear’
As the No. 2 seeded Grizzlies wait for the completion of the 2023 NBA Play-In Tournament to determine their first-round playoff opponent, Brooks didn’t hesitate to share who he would like to play.
“I wouldn’t mind playing LeBron in a seven-game series…” Brooks Said“The legacy is there, First time back in the playoffs, let’s put it out there right away, They’ll test us well, They’ve got good pieces, good players, It’ll be a good first-round matchup for us,”
This proved to be a wrong prediction for Brooks, who attacked James after Game 2 of the series.
Words were exchanged between the two during a third-quarter confrontation, with James calling Brooks “dumb” for picking up his fourth foul. Brooks said after the game that he considered James “just another basketball player” when competing against him.
“I don’t care – he’s old. You know what I mean?” brooks Said“I was waiting for him, I was hoping he would do it,” [in] Game 4, Game 5. When I got my fourth foul he wanted to say something. He should have said this earlier. But I kill the bear. I don’t respect anybody until they come and give me 40.”
Once the series moved to Los Angeles, home fans criticized Brooks at every opportunity. James did not acknowledge the comments, but he outscored Brooks 84 to 36 in the rest of the first round as Brooks struggled mightily. He averaged 10.5 points on 31.2% shooting from the field and 23.8% shooting from deep in the series.
After the Lakers won six contests, James responded to Brooks by belting out a freestyle from rapper Mystikal and captioning an Instagram post: “If you ever see me fighting a grizzly bear in the woods, help the bear.”
The Rockets signed Brooks to a four-year, $80 million deal next season. Before facing James for the first time since the 2023 playoffs Said Brooks’ actions against him bore no fruit and he earned the contract.
Brooks averaged a career-high 21.7 points along with 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists in his first season with the Suns. Meanwhile, at 23, James is averaging 20.2 points, 7.1 assists and 5.6 rebounds, although he has only appeared in 11 games this season.
The Lakers and Suns face off again on Tuesday, and one thing seems inevitable – Brooks is going to want to take on James.
