The former Memphis Grizzlies small forward isn’t letting up on his feud with the Los Angeles Lakers star.
Dillon Brooks went from beloved fan favorite to hated former player in a matter of months.
The 2nd round pick in 2017 started 74 of 82 games in his rookie season and continually improved during his time with the Memphis Grizzlies, but his spotlight-grabbing antics wore thin with fans and the front office.
It began when he was ejected from Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals in 2022 and suspended for Game 3 for a flagrant foul that led to Gary Payton II fracturing his elbow. Then in early 2023, Brooks was ejected from a regular season game for punching Donovan Mitchell in the groin. He finished the regular season with 18 technical fouls, trailing only Draymond Green (21).
But it was the Grizzlies’ playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers that really established Brooks as a menace. He openly criticized LeBron James saying that “I poke bears“, calling him “old” and stating “I don’t respect no one until they come and give me 40 [points].”
James never put up 40 in a game during the series, but he averaged 22.2 points, 11.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists per game and shot 61.1% from the field when guarded by Brooks. Brooks was also ejected from Game 3 for hitting James in the groin area. The Lakers went on to upset the two-seeded Grizzlies in the first round.
“I feel like I always had him”
Now with the Houston Rockets, Brooks still feels his matchup with LeBron went according to his plan. Speaking to Sportsnet, he had this to say.
I feel like I always had him. I feel like that series was thrown upon me cause of the words that I say, but I’ve been saying things all year and we won 50 games.
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It’s hard to argue in Brooks’ favor that he “had him”, especially when you consider how the whole series unfolded.
The Rockets will be hoping Brooks can provide a veteran three-point and defensive presence for what is a younger squad, but Brooks himself must mature a bit in order to lead those younger players.
