LeBron James and the Lakers welcomed the OKC Thunder for Game 4 on Monday as they looked to salvage the series from a 3-0 deficit. The King, however, had a notable attendee in the crowd, as Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks was spotted courtside for the game.
NBACentral highlighted Brooks’ appearance at the Crypto.com Arena on X (formerly Twitter).
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“Dillon Brooks is at the Lakers game 😅,” NBACentral captioned the post.
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The forward has been a thorn in James’ side in recent matchups, with the duo often exchanging words during Suns-Lakers games. After being swept in the first round, Brooks’ presence at the Western Conference semifinal clash raised eyebrows, especially with the Lakers facing a similar fate against the Thunder.
NBACentral’s post quickly gained the attention of fans, who were in stitches over Brooks’ courtside appearance, with many believing he appeared at the game to root against Bron.
However, while some believed Brooks was there to troll the Lakers, others pointed out his connection with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander through the Canadian national team, suggesting he may have been in attendance to support the Thunder guard.
Though Brooks’ real motive behind his courtside appearance remains debatable, you’d have to commend him either way. The forward has played the role of the villain against Bron and the Lakers all season and kept up the same spirit when facing the OKC Thunder in the playoffs.
While Brooks’ exact motive remains unclear, his presence added intrigue to the matchup, given that he has played the antagonist in games involving both the Lakers and the Thunder this season.
His courtside appearance in such a crucial game only reinforces the role he has embraced throughout the year.
Dillon Brooks once explained why he doesn’t shy away from trash-talking LeBron James
LeBron James and Dillon Brooks have often been seen exchanging words during the Lakers’ regular-season matchups against the Phoenix Suns. The Suns forward has been a constant thorn in James’ side and previously explained his reasoning for targeting LeBron during a livestream in January.
Appearing on streamer Agent’s live, Brooks said he doesn’t shy away from trash-talking James because of his age.
“If it was LeBron five years ago, then it’d be different,” Brooks said. “Miami Bron, you’re not really talking trash to him, ’cause he’s got more game to him, more agile. Right now, he’s like old.”
Brooks remains one of the league’s most polarizing figures, and his ongoing jabs at James are part of the persona he has embraced.
Edited by Arian Kashyap