LeBron James and Dillon Brooks continued their individual rivalry in the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Houston Rockets on Sunday night, with LeBron ultimately emerging victorious.

Scoring 37 points, including 14 in the first half, LeBron’s standout performance was marked by a technical foul in the third quarter following a brief exchange with Brooks after a foul call. Later in the period, LeBron made a shot over Brooks and, along with the Lakers’ bench, playfully gestured “too small” to taunt the 27-year-old, much to the amusement of NBA fans.

This playful banter between Brooks and LeBron dates back to the previous season’s playoffs when Brooks, then with the Memphis Grizzlies, took shots at LeBron after the Grizzlies defeated the Lakers in Game 1 of their first-round matchup. The rivalry has continued to capture the attention of basketball enthusiasts.

“I don’t care, he’s old,” Brooks said, according to Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today.

“I poke bears,” he later added. “I don’t respect no one until they come and give me 40 (points). I pride myself on what I do on defense and taking any challenge on the board.”

Although LeBron James didn’t reach the 40-point mark against Dillon Brooks, he maintained a solid performance, averaging 22.4 points and 11.2 rebounds during the series. The Lakers ultimately secured victory in six games.

The rivalry between LeBron and Brooks seems to persist, with LeBron prevailing in their latest encounter. The ongoing back-and-forth adds an extra layer of excitement and competition to their matchups, keeping fans engaged in the dynamic between these two players.