Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

Dillon Brooks Breaks Down Competitive Tension With LeBron James

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Dec 2, 2025 3:08 AM ET

Dillon Brooks took over for the Phoenix Suns against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, leading them to a 125-108 win. Brooks had 33 points on 57.7% shooting against a familiar foe in LeBron James. In the third quarter, James was in the Suns' huddle and had a conversation with the forward.

There's always been tension between Brooks and James. The former thrives in getting into the heads of his competitors. On the other hand, the four-time champion does his best to ignore the antics thrown at him.

After the contest, Brooks was asked by the media about the tense moment he had with the Lakers superstar.

Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

"I'm a competitor, man. I don't like smiling, giggling and all that," Brooks said via Duane Rankin on X. "Just letting him know that, you know, I'm here and I'm still rising."

"I'm a competitor man. I don't really like the smiling, the giggling and all that. Just letting him know I'm here and I'm still rising."

Dillon Brooks on his interaction with LeBron James in Suns 125-108 win over Lakers.

"He likes people that bow down. I don't bow down. That… pic.twitter.com/7saE1Qg8qt
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 2, 2025

“He likes people that bow down. I don't bow down. That either entices him or it aggravates him, either or.”

That wasn't the only interaction Brooks had with James. During the final minute of the second period, the defensive forward took advantage of a fastbreak opportunity. He finished the break with a two-handed jam and taunted the future Hall of Famer.

Ultimately, Brooks had the last laugh by leading the Suns. The forward had to step up after All-Star guard Devin Booker left the game late in the first quarter. According to reports, Booker suffered a groin injury, and he did not return to action. Booker finished the game with 11 points in 9:55 minutes of playing time.

Brooks has been influential for the Suns in the 2025-26 NBA season. Entering the Lakers game, he's averaging 21.5 points (career-high), 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 steals in 15 appearances.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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