Dillon Brooks Thrives in Suns’ Win Over Lakers, Agitates LeBron

Posted : 02 December 2025

Dillon Brooks stole the spotlight as the Phoenix Suns defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 125-108 on Monday, scoring 33 points and delivering a performance filled with energy, trash talk, and memorable antics.

Brooks has long been a polarizing figure at Crypto.com Arena, dating back to the 2023 playoffs when, as a Memphis Grizzlies player, he famously declared, “I poke bears,” and called LeBron James “old” after a Game 2 win. That series ended with Memphis losing in six games, but Brooks’ antics have clearly left a lasting impression on both fans and the Lakers’ star.

On Monday, Brooks continued to rile the crowd and James, celebrating his baskets with gestures reminiscent of LeBron’s own signature moves. He stared down James after a transition dunk in the second quarter and performed exaggerated shoulder shrugs, prompting boos from fans. “I love playing in this arena,” Brooks said. “They show me a lot of love in here, and I reciprocate it back. I’m a competitor. I don’t really like the smiling and the giggling, so just letting them know that I’m here, and I’m still rising.”

Brooks’ presence clearly got under James’ skin, with the Lakers legend confronting him during a timeout in the third quarter. Brooks reflected on the interaction: “He likes people that bow down. I don’t bow down. So, that either entices him or it aggravates him—either-or.”

His energy has been a boost for the Suns, who improved to 13-9, rebounding from a disappointing 36-46 record last season. “That’s Dillon Brooks. It fuels us. Obviously, we love when he gets going,” said point guard Collin Gillespie, who scored a career-high 28 points and has been nicknamed “Villain Jr.” by Brooks. “He’s the tone-setter for us. Consistent energy, brings it every night. He’s fearless, doesn’t back down from anybody, and will go toe-to-toe with anybody.”

Brooks led the Suns’ charge even with star guard Devin Booker exiting after just 10 minutes due to a strained right groin. He scored 23 points in the first half, including 15 in the second quarter, and made 10 of 11 shots in one stretch, exchanging playful taunts with courtside fans. He finished 15-of-26 from the floor and is now averaging a career-best 22.3 points per game.

First-year Suns coach Jordan Ott praised Brooks’ impact, saying, “He’s the ultimate competitor. He had a tough playoffs a couple of years ago, and this means something different to him. We feel that as a group and follow his lead.”

Meanwhile, the Lakers, now 15-5, struggled to contain Brooks. LeBron James contributed 10 points, extending his NBA record streak to 1,297 consecutive games with double-digit scoring, but he appeared visibly frustrated by Brooks’ antics throughout the contest.

Dillon Brooks Thrives in Suns’ Win Over Lakers, Agitates LeBron

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