LeBron James Reacts to Dillon Brooks' Antics, Controversial Play After Lakers' Win

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James knows what to expect anytime he's matched up with the Phoenix Suns' Dillon Brooks after they renewed their rivalry Sunday.

Moments after he hit a go-ahead three, Brooks was ejected for his second technical foul when he squared up to James with 12.2 seconds remaining. LeBron eventually hit a pair of free throws to put Los Angeles back in the lead, and the Lakers held on for a 116-114 victory.

"I just like to compete," James told reporters when asked about playing against Brooks. "He's going to compete. I'm going to compete. We're going to get up in each other's face. Try not to go borderline with it. I don't really take it there. But we're just competing and did that almost all the way to the end of the game."

Lakers-Suns Full Highlights

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The 21-time All-Star also supported the referees' decision to issue a technical foul to Brooks in such a critical moment.

"That's definitely a tech," he said. "If it was a tech on me in the [third quarter], then it was a tech on him right here, too."

After he may have gotten away with a foul himself on Brooks' three-pointer, James certainly did his best to ensure the officials saw the contact.

Brooks has long embraced a villain role on the court, and the veteran wing has a history with James specifically. He famously said during the 2023 NBA playoffs that "I poke bears" in reference to LeBron and called the future Hall of Famer "old."

Sunday was an example of how Brooks' reputation can work against him.

"S--t, I don't know, he brought his antics," Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt said. "Tonight, it cost him."

The Lakers and Suns play three more times this season, and their next meeting on Dec. 23 could have some extra spice. If nothing else, Brooks is doing his part to make the regular season more compelling.