LeBron James visibly bristled last night as Phoenix Suns guard Dillon Brooks engaged in on-court taunting during a free throw attempt, reigniting a long-simmering rivalry. The incident occurred as the Suns decisively defeated the Los Angeles Lakers.
Phoenix routed Los Angeles, and Brooks, known for his provocative style of play, appeared to playfully slap James’ hand as the Lakers star prepared to shoot. This mirrored a similar tactic Brooks recently used with Luka Doncic. While Doncic responded with amusement, James did not share the sentiment.
The animosity between James and Brooks dates back to the 2023 playoffs, where Brooks repeatedly targeted James with verbal jabs before the Lakers eliminated his Memphis team. Each subsequent matchup has amplified this contentious dynamic, pitting a seasoned veteran against a player who consistently pushes boundaries.
Dillon Brooks high-fived LeBron after he made FT 😂😭 pic.twitter.com/v248gyQ14S
— House of Highlights (@HoHighlights) December 24, 2025
The history between the two players is fraught with tension. Brooks’ behavior during the 2023 playoff series against the Lakers, before Memphis was eliminated, set the stage for ongoing clashes. Since then, every game between the two has been charged with a palpable rivalry.
