New Twist Fuels LeBron James-Dillon Brooks Rivalry: Sixers Legend Charles Barkley Credits X Factor Behind Lakers Billionaire’s Dominance

The showdown between the?Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies set the stage for an exhilarating start to the NBA playoffs this year. It brimmed with the much-awaited intense action that fans desired. While the teams had already clashed vigorously during the regular season, Dillion Brooks’ antics injected the much-needed thrill. Through his continuous jabs at LeBron James, Brooks became the primary source of entertainment. The feud between the two sparked numerous electrifying moments.

However, the strategy quickly backfired as James and the gang thwarted the Grizzlies’ attempts to overpower them. Memphis ultimately parted ways with Brooks due to a blend of cultural and professional considerations. The Houston Rockets, recognizing Brooks’ potential, have acquired him as a valuable asset to complement their young roster. Nonetheless, his spirited encounter with the?King?remains a compelling topic of conversation, even during the offseason.

Charles Barkley claims Brooks to have unconsciously fueled LeBron James

In a?recent appearance on?The Bill Simmons Podcast, Charles Barkley delved into the NBA’s?off-season stories and developments. During their conversation, Bill Simmons and Barkley engaged in a discussion about the ability to maintain greatness.

Using LeBron James as a prime example, Simmons highlighted his enduring excellence. Barkley, however, swiftly pointed out how James appeared tired after delivering a monstrous performance against the Grizzlies in the series. Taking the conversation a step further, Barkley added a unique perspective to the infamous Brooks-LeBron rivalry.

He said, “I think one thing really helped LeBron was Dillon Brooks messing with him. Because that energy he was giving LeBron, even though he couldn’t sustain game to game, it did give him the juice to get them through that series. And then when they got to play the Nuggets, the tank was on empty. They got swept quickly.”

In the thrilling series, the seventh-seeded Lakers triumphed over the second-seeded Memphis in six games. With the offensive prowess of?Anthony Davis?and the rising skillset of Austin Reaves, LeBron James rose as the key player throughout the series.?

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LeBron James has an unmatched journey. In a chat with Sports Illustrated‘s Jimmy Traina, Charles Barkley labeled James as having the “greatest story in sports history.”

Barkley thinks James has the greatest story in sports history

Despite an initial lack of championship rings, Barkley praised James’ incredible one-of-a-kind path. James became a sports icon from a modest start as a child raised by a single mother. He has a history of embracing the massive expectations since his highly publicized high school basketball days.

Further, James displayed signs of authentic leadership from the get-go, even on the highest stage. He boasts four championships, four MVP awards, and numerous other accolades, solidifying his status as one of the best ever to do it.

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Off-court, James is celebrated for his family bonds and lack of controversies. He has grown to be the role model that young athletes look up to. At 39, James remains true to his craft. Last season, he averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists, which are better than his overall career averages.?