LeBron James and Dillon Brooks: A Rivalry Reignited

The Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns have a long history of intense matchups, but one aspect that has added an extra layer of excitement to their games is the rivalry between LeBron James and Dillon Brooks. The two have been going at it for years, with their on-court battles becoming increasingly heated. As they prepare to face off again on Tuesday, it’s worth taking a look back at the history of their rivalry.

The roots of the James-Brooks rivalry can be traced back to 2021, when James performed the “too small” celebration in a game against Brooks. However, it was during the first-round series between the Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies in 2003 that their run-ins reached new heights. Despite the fact that the two have had their fair share of battles on the court, it all comes down to competition, as James himself has said.

“He’s a great competitor. I like going against him. And he was hooping tonight for sure. He shot the ball exceptionally well and kept them in the game,” James said after a 105-104 win over the Houston Rockets in November 2023. This sentiment was echoed in a game where James did the “too small” celebration, a move that has become a hallmark of their rivalry.

A Timeline of Memorable Interactions

One of the most notable incidents between James and Brooks occurred in December 2025, when the two engaged in a series of intense exchanges during a game. The Lakers ultimately emerged victorious, winning 116-114, but not before Brooks had hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 12.2 seconds remaining. However, his celebration was short-lived, as he was ejected from the game after initiating chest-to-chest contact with James.

Brooks later referred to James as a “social media junkie” in a post-game interview, a comment that sparked a heated response from James. The two have continued to exchange barbs, both on and off the court, with their rivalry showing no signs of slowing down.

Recent Developments

In a game just a few days later, Brooks dropped 33 points in the Suns’ 125-108 win, adding celebrations that included staring down James after a transition dunk and doing an exaggerated shoulder shrug. James took notice of Brooks’ antics, lingering near Phoenix’s bench during a timeout late in the third and directing words toward the forward.

After the game, Brooks explained how he interpreted James’ energy, saying “He likes people that bow down. I don’t bow down. So, that either entices him or it aggravates him — either-or.” This comment highlights the psychological aspect of their rivalry, with each player trying to get under the other’s skin.

Past Run-Ins

The first two matchups between Brooks and James since the 2023 series were relatively drama-free, but that all changed in January 2024, when Brooks knocked James to the floor after the Lakers star was hit in the face as the two battled for a rebound. Brooks was called for a flagrant 1, and James had a simple response when asked about the incident in a post-game interview: “Next question.”

In April 2023, Brooks didn’t shy away from sharing whom he’d prefer to play in the playoffs, saying “I wouldn’t mind playing LeBron in a seven-game series… The legacy is there. First time back in the playoffs, knock him out right away.” However, his prophecy proved incorrect, as the Lakers ultimately emerged victorious in the series.

After Game 2 of the series, Brooks jawed at James, exchanging words during a third-quarter confrontation. James called Brooks “dumb” for picking up his fourth foul, and Brooks responded by saying he considers James “just another basketball player” when competing against him.

Looking Ahead

As the Lakers and Suns face off again on Tuesday, one thing feels inevitable — Brooks looking to get under James’ skin. With their rivalry showing no signs of slowing down, it’s likely that we’ll see more intense exchanges between the two in the future. Whether or not their on-court battles will continue to escalate remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the James-Brooks rivalry is one of the most compelling in the NBA today.

The Lakers and Suns have split their two matchups this season, with both games being hotly contested. As they prepare to face off again, it’s clear that the rivalry between James and Brooks will continue to be a major storyline. With their on-court battles becoming increasingly intense, it’s likely that we’ll see more drama unfold in the future.

As the NBA season continues to heat up, the James-Brooks rivalry is one to watch. With their intense exchanges and competitive battles, it’s clear that these two players will stop at nothing to come out on top. Whether or not their rivalry will continue to escalate remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the James-Brooks rivalry is one of the most compelling in the NBA today.