The Los Angeles Lakers received a message from one of LeBron James’ most familiar antagonists ahead of Friday’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns.
“I like playing in Crypto.com Arena. Great crowd,” Dillon Brooks said, per Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. “I still want to keep working on my game and getting ready for the play-in.”
While Brooks’ tone was measured, his recent play — and long-running history with James — ensures the matchup will carry added intensity.
Brooks Heating Up at the Right Time
Brooks enters Friday’s game coming off one of his strongest performances since returning from injury.
He scored 28 points on 11-of-22 shooting, including 4-of-5 from three-point range, along with five rebounds, three assists and a steal in a 112-107 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday.
The performance marked his best outing in five games since returning from a fractured left hand that sidelined him for more than a month.
Since reclaiming a full workload in April, Brooks has averaged 16.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists over four games while shooting 42.9 percent from three-point range.
History With LeBron James Adds Edge
Brooks’ comments also carry added weight given his history with James.
The tension dates back to the 2023 playoffs, when Brooks — then with the Memphis Grizzlies — publicly challenged James, calling him “old” and saying he “pokes bears.”
The rivalry escalated when Brooks was ejected in Game 3 of that series after a Flagrant 2 foul on James.
Since then, Brooks has embraced his role as an agitator in matchups involving James, often leaning into the physical and emotional side of the game.
LeBron Carrying Lakers Amid Injuries
James enters the matchup playing some of his most complete basketball of the season.
Since Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves went down with injuries, James has averaged 28.0 points, 13.0 assists and 8.5 rebounds in 35.3 minutes per game, taking on a significantly expanded role.
He is coming off another dominant performance in Thursday’s 119-103 win over the Golden State Warriors, finishing with 26 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists in 32 minutes while leading the Lakers in all three categories.
The win marked Los Angeles’ first since losing Dončić and Reaves, reinforcing the importance of James’ production during this stretch.
Back-to-Back Test for 41-Year-Old Lakers Star
Friday’s matchup presents an added challenge.
James will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back, while Brooks — known for his physical defense — is expected to apply constant pressure.
The contrast in workload and style adds another layer to the matchup, particularly with Brooks’ history of trying to disrupt James’ rhythm.
Lakers Navigating Tight Playoff Race
The Lakers remain in a tightly contested Western Conference race.
They are within striking distance of the Denver Nuggets for the No. 3 seed and are tied with the Houston Rockets for the No. 4 spot, which carries homecourt advantage in the first round.
With only a few games remaining, each result carries added weight.
Suns Focused on Play-In Positioning
Phoenix, meanwhile, continues to prepare for the play-in tournament.
With Devin Booker sidelined due to injury management, the Suns are leaning on players like Brooks to maintain competitiveness and rhythm heading into the postseason.
Stakes Set for Another Chapter
Brooks may have kept his message simple, but the context surrounding this matchup is anything but.
With playoff positioning on the line and a familiar rivalry back in focus, the stage is set for another intense chapter between Brooks and James.
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