There was an eruption of fans in the FedEx Forum. The Ja Morant-less Memphis Grizzlies managed to take down the mighty Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2. A late rally sealed the deal for Memphis in the dramatic finish. And one moment, in particular, marked their dominance over the 17-time champions tonight. After hitting a huge shot on LeBron James, Grizzlies star Dillon Brooks gave him the coldest of stares which sent the NBA world into a frenzy.

The series now stands level at 1-1 as the Grizzlies won 103-93 on the back of huge performances from Xavier Tillman, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane. While Brooks added 12 points, his most memorable moment came at the expense of The King.

LeBron James seemingly backs down from Dillon Brooks

Just days before their highly anticipated playoff series, Brooks issued a challenge to The King. The 27-year-old confidently said, “I wouldn’t mind playing LeBron James in a seven-game series”. His ultimate goal: to eliminate James in the first round in his playoff return. After Game 1, you might have thought Brooks understood just how difficult it is to get past the Akron Hammer, as many legends have said before. However, the NBA’s villain wasn’t fazed.

Booking a Game 2 win without Ja Morant, the Grizzlies sent a strong message: they will fight no matter what. As the Lakers seemed to inch close, Memphis went on a late run to put the game away. As part of the run, Brooks made a huge three-pointer to bury the Lakers’ hopes of a comeback.

Going back down the floor, he eyed down his prey. Racing with adrenaline from his highlight moment, the Grizzlies star stared down LeBron James all the way while walking back. Surprisingly, the 19-time All-Star didn’t meet Dillon Brooks’ eyes. It came off as a moment the Memphis star won the battle over the postseason legend that is LeBron James.

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He would finish with 12 points and 3 assists in the statement Game 2 win. On the other hand, James carried the heavy burden on his shoulders with Anthony Davis struggling to assert himself. The 38-year-old went off for 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Fans torch The King for falling to Brooks

LeBron James, not responding to Dillon Brooks’ staredown, sent NBA Twitter into a frenzy. Fans were quick to rip apart the Akron Hammer for backing down to the Memphis star. One fan said, “Lebron was scared” 

Some fans also believe NBA players don’t fear LeBron James anymore. A Twitter user wrote, “Nobody really fears Lebron nowadays” 

Here are some of the other reactions:

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The challenge is served, and Brooks is out to eliminate James in the first round. Morant or not, the Grizzlies are a force to deal with their depth. With the series level, the next two games will be in LA swarming with Purple and Gold. Do you think Memphis can pull a win in such a setting? Let us know in the comments below.