Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks has some added reason to be fired up for one specific game on his team’s schedule in 2026-27.
Brooks was asked Friday about facing his rival LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers this season. The Suns and Sixers are set to meet on Dec. 30, which just so happens to be James’ 42nd birthday.
Brooks was initially unaware of the coincidence, but he was happy to embrace it once he found out.
“I’m excited. That’s more ammunition for me to win that game, but it should be fun,” Brooks said.
Dillon Brooks on playing LeBron James on December 30, which happens to be on James’s birthday.
— Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) August 14, 2026
“I’m excited. That’s more ammunition for me to win that game, but it should be fun.”
Follow up question: Are you disappointed you won’t see him as often?
“Not at all, but I’ll build… pic.twitter.com/GGyZHnHcFN
Brooks added that he will not necessarily miss James now that the former Los Angeles Laker has left the Western Conference, but he will be able to “build up” for when they do meet.
Brooks ignited his rivalry with James in 2023, when he labeled the superstar “old” and dismissed the Lakers as a threat to the Memphis Grizzlies. James wound up abusing Brooks as the Lakers upset Memphis in six games in the first round of the playoffs, but that still was not enough to teach Brooks a lesson.
With James just one part of what should be a loaded Sixers team, Brooks may well have other priorities when the two teams meet in December. Even so, he would clearly relish the opportunity to put a damper on LeBron’s birthday.
