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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Dillon Brooks and LeBron James met again in the Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers game yesterday. Though the Lakers were in a terrible position, it still hasn’t doused James’ competitive spirit. But Brooks seems to be enjoying this win. After all, his trash talk finally reaped its benefit this time around.

Their rivalry (not much of one, seeing as James doesn’t give too much attention to it) goes back to when Brooks played with the Grizzlies. But when asked about the whole fiasco, James is surprisingly all praises for the Rockets guard.

NBA veteran advises LeBron James on the right course of action

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Not everyone is happy with LeBron’s nice guy act. Kenyon Martin of Gil’s Arena gives it straight to James on the podcast. He says, “Let’s call a spade a spade Bron. Let’s stop this sh*t! “

The only time LeBron seemed visibly affected by Brooks was during the 2023 NBA playoffs. But we can’t really fault him for getting pissed off. The former Grizzlies guard/forward did hit LeBron in the midsection in Game 3. Unnecessarily, when you watch the video from a straight angle.

It must be all these circumstances that led Martin Sr. to tell LeBron James to quit the “nice guy” act and just give it straight to his opponent. Especially when they get a little too cocky at your expense. And boy is Brooks cockiness personified.

Brooks seems to be interested in catching the spotlight

For a controversial figure like Dillon Brooks, the media sure loves him. And that’s where it ends. NBA fans, veterans, or even fellow players are not his biggest fans. Except for what he brings to the table defensively, everything else points at him being a better fit at the Rockets as opposed to his old team, the Grizzlies.

Read More: “He’s a Glutton for Punishment”: NFL Legend Slams Dillon Brooks’ “Lock Him Up” Jibe at LeBron James

Game 2 of the playoff series last year saw the Grizzlies win. It was then that Brooks went on a rant about how James is old and he cannot respect a player who does not score 40 points on the board. This got to King James, and he did have a tête-à-tête with Brooks before the start of Game 3.

 

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Though we couldn’t hear what he said to Brooks, it is obvious that it wasn’t his blessing for a good game. His infamous flagrant 2 foul happened in Game 3. Yet we cannot completely shut him off. When he entered free agency after his time with the Grizzlies, many were worried about if any team would take him on. The Rockets did and they are not the worse for it. He did manage to lock  James up.

Watch This Story: “Gimme That SH*T”: After Snubbing Russell Westbrook for Pre-game Handshake, Lebron James Rejects Ex-teammate in Fiery Manner

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This is what he is good at, too. Standing at 6’6, he is surprisingly steady and can overpower defenders through sheer physicality. Brooks also has amazing body control that allows him to absorb contact from other defenders and still make a shot. So, yes, he has his flaws, but his strengths cannot be ignored either.

Do you Brooks is on his way to salvaging his reputation as a key piece for a challenging franchise? Or is this all talk from the Canadian?