Home/NBA

USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The Los Angeles Lakers played the Houston Rockets tonight and ended the fourth quarter with a marginal victory. As usual, the king of longevity was dominating the field with his buckets and rebounds, scoring 37 points and 6 rebounds. Although the star forward of the Lakers had a clash with Dillon Brooks on the court, LeBron James took the last laugh yet again.

Repeating the 2022–2023 NBA playoffs episode, it was James who channeled his aggression into the game.

Rui Hachimura on LeBron James and Dillon Brooks

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

In a post-game interview, Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves were hit with some questions regarding the LeBron James beef with Dillon Brooks. Rui Hachimura said, “For Bron, it’s actually good for him, you know. He needs motivation so.” Adding to his narrative, he said, “Whatever (Brooks) is doing, it doesn’t do anything to (LeBron)…Dillon Brooks, he just wants to be part of his legacy, I guess.” 

According to Rui Hachimura, Dillon Brooks is just helping King James put up better numbers and hence impact the game better, ultimately turning out to be a part of LeBron James’ legacy.

LeBron James vs. Dillon Brooks: the rivalry

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Dillon Brooks has played many roles in his basketball career, both with his former team the Grizzlies, and now with the Rockets. Apart from being the defensive force, offensive roller coaster, and ‘soul’ of the Rockets, he is also a player who trash-talks the other player to get under his skin. For traits like these, his ongoing scuffle with King James is timely recorded by every tabloid worldwide. With tonight’s little off-roading and LeBron getting a rare technical, the ‘too small’ gesture just doesn’t sit in place. LeBron himself has mentioned many times that he doesn’t get bothered by these petty acts unless it’s from someone who is bagging 40 points in a game. However, James got a little off-beat when he missed the layup.

Read More: As Dillon Brooks-LeBron James Viral Moment Gains Heat, NBA Legend Magic Johnson Rubbished Lakers’ Energy Ahead of Intense Playoffs Battle

Dillon Brooks’ performance tonight is up for debate. He led the Rockets in scoring, with 24 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist. However, his job as the primary defender on LeBron James didn’t go as well as it did last time, with the 38-year-old recording 37 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds. After what happened in the 2022–2023 postseason, it’s high time that Brooks realizes that time is running out for him. With the image of the ‘biggest villain’ in the league, The Grizzlies were happy to not re-sign him when his contract expired. His stint with the Rockets is seen by experts as an attempt to rebuild his reputation in the league, and for the most part, he is doing a good job of it.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Watch This Story – Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard—all the coaches and players Shaquille O’Neal had feuds with

Do you think this constant scuffle between the two can be termed a rivalry? Let us know your views about the same in the comment section.