“LeBron James Strikes Again! Epic Roast of Dillon Brooks Lights Up Victory Against Rockets!”

Last season’s showdown between LeBron James and Dillon Brooks didn’t hint at any lasting rivalry. The Lakers dominated the Grizzlies in the playoffs, leaving Brooks and Memphis in their wake.

Despite the lopsided history, Brooks remained undeterred. In their recent clash in Houston, Brooks and the Rockets outperformed a shorthanded Lakers squad. However, things took a different turn in their latest faceoff.

LeBron James after missing the layup 😂 pic.twitter.com/NVrwRSPZz3

— Ahn Fire Digital (@AhnFireDigital) November 20, 2023

LeBron exhibited a renewed energy, evident in his emphatic reactions, especially after converting a layup for an and-one opportunity. Contrary to previous encounters, LeBron’s performance was exceptional, shooting 14-19 from the field and scoring 37 points.

Look out below! 😤🔨 pic.twitter.com/GRDlxPuqUf

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) November 20, 2023

LeBron from DEEP to cash in 33 PTS 🔥

Lakers-Rockets | Live on the NBA App 📲https://t.co/aTY77Rqb1m pic.twitter.com/4G16WPG674

— NBA (@NBA) November 20, 2023

The matchup with Brooks added extra intensity, with the latter attempting to provoke LeBron, even succeeding in drawing a rare technical foul. Yet, LeBron dominated the game, showcasing his superiority over Brooks. Even a targeted strategy against Brooks in crucial moments couldn’t halt LeBron’s brilliance.

LeBron earlier gets T'd up for shoving Dillion Brooks 👀🍿

This is Bron's 1st technical foul of the season and only his 7th since joining the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/AnJooBNhIq

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 20, 2023

Post-game, Rui Hachimura commented on the perceived “rivalry,” suggesting it’s a motivational factor for LeBron. Hachimura acknowledged that whatever Brooks attempts doesn’t faze LeBron; instead, it elevates his game, leading to more points, rebounds, and victories.

On LeAttack pic.twitter.com/N1gKzxa82D

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 20, 2023

Brooks with a hard foul on LeBron 😨 pic.twitter.com/NguJFT1weX

— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) November 20, 2023

Really smart from the Lakers here. They knew Dillon Brooks would be on LeBron and knew he couldn't hang with him in the post. So they put LeBron on the block, spread the floor out so the Rockets can't help and LeBron just bullies him. pic.twitter.com/JAD0EXT5iI

— Jacob Rude (@JacobRude) November 20, 2023

In the end, Brooks achieved a degree of success in getting under LeBron’s skin, but it seems to have fueled LeBron’s motivation rather than hindering his performance. Brooks, in his pursuit to be part of LeBron’s legacy, may have unintentionally contributed to the Lakers’ success.