On Sunday, LeBron James and Dillon Brooks once again took center stage. James persistently targeted Brooks, scoring consecutive baskets, including a third-quarter runner that prompted James to playfully mock Brooks with the “too small gesture.” While the gesture is typically executed by bending down to emphasize the height difference, James took it a step further, placing his hand as close to the floor as possible, showcasing his characteristic pettiness.
Securing a crucial free throw with just 1.4 seconds remaining, James, after successfully contesting Brooks’ desperate three-point attempt, sealed the Lakers’ victory and emerged as the victor in this ongoing rivalry.
In the postgame interview, James appeared in high spirits and spoke affectionately of his role as the perceived hero in the narrative, with Brooks cast as the villain. The well-documented beef between Dillon Brooks and LeBron James, sparked by Brooks’ comment about enjoying “poking bears” when facing the Lakers, has garnered national attention. Brooks, known for his on-court antics and embracing the role of an irritant akin to players like Patrick Beverley and Draymond Green, continues to fuel this dynamic, making each encounter a spectacle reminiscent of professional wrestling.
While Brooks has established himself as a notable antagonist, James has consistently come out on top in their confrontations. Notably, the memorable drive on Brooks in Game 4 of the second round last year not only gave the Lakers a commanding 3-1 series lead but also effectively sealed their victory in the matchup. The Sunday showdown once again highlighted the ongoing drama between James and Brooks, with James reaffirming his dominance in this compelling narrative.
“He’s a great competitor,” James said. “I like going against him. He was hooping tonight, too, for sure. He was shooting the ball exceptionally well. Kept them in the game. I think they were seven down at one point and he hit two big-time threes to keep them in the game in the fourth. It’s competition. Those young guys, they get me going. I need that.”
With a career spanning 21 years and thousands of games, LeBron James has a valid perspective. Sometimes, in the midst of a typical November game, he might require an additional spark to elevate his performance.
The NBA In-Season Tournament has noticeably provided James and the Lakers with added motivation and success. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that a bit of banter serves as the extra motivation James seeks to emphasize that he still reigns as the King on the basketball court.