The in-form Houston Rockets take on the Los Angeles Lakers for the second time in the season. Notably, the Rockets stepped into the game with an upper hand, defeating the Lakers in a blow-out win during their previous match-up. So the LA fans might have looked for revenge on Sunday night. Apart from the action on the hardwood, there is another aspect of this contest that has kept the audience in check. “The Villain” Dillon Brooks. 

Even though the Rockets aren’t originally part of the Brooks aspect, his recent affiliation with the team has roped the team in as well. The Rockets star and the 4x NBA Champ LeBron James have had a rivalry narrative going on since last season. And, the LA crowd had the opportunity to express their response to it ahead of the Sunday night game.

LA crowd gives a ‘warm’ welcome to Dillon Brooks

The so-called ‘rivalry’ between Dillon Brooks and LeBron James began during the playoff’s first-round series between the Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies. Brooks tried to get in the superstar’s head by trash-talking on and off the court. Even though King James brushed it off his shoulders, the fans didn’t let it pass. Importantly, James had the last laugh eliminating the Grizzlies.

Moreover, both fans and Brooks didn’t let the rivalry die. They carried it to the next season, even though he changed his team. Things got more serious this time because the Rockets defeated the LA side in the first outing. As a result, he faced a wild welcome from the LA fans ahead of the Sunday night matchup. 

When the announcers in the Crypto.com arena called the Rockets star’s name, the entire crowd went off, booing him.

However, the crowd’s loud booing didn’t have any effect on the star. In fact, he went on to lead the team with 24 points.

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It wasn’t just the fans who took on Brooks, but it was reciprocal as well.

Brooks responds to the booing crowd

Even though the Rockets lost the game in a close 105-104 game, Brooks had a brilliant night. He churned in the highest number for his team and even extracted a technical foul on James’ name for elbowing him.

Importantly, he responded to the booing crowd. Eight minutes into the game, Brooks dropped a 3-pointer and gave out a flying kiss to the LA audience.

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Does playing against LeBron James, bring out the best in Brooks? Let us know in the comments below.