Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks came at the king on Monday and did not miss.
Brooks took on the challenge of defending LeBron James during the Rockets 135-119 win against the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Brooks also got a few buckets — and talked some trash — against the man they call “King James.”
One particular exchange between Brooks and James went viral on social media. Brooks had James defending him on the right wing early in the third quarter. The 28-year-old dribbled to the baseline and banked in a shot with James’ hand right in his face. A fired-up Brooks skipped past James, faced him, and began jawing at the 4-time MVP.
Dillon Brooks after his bucket over LeBron. 😂🗣️
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 30, 2024
A few plays later, Brooks was also called for a flagrant foul for hitting James in the face.
Dillon Brooks hits LeBron in the face pic.twitter.com/XQE3kG1N29
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) January 30, 2024
Brooks might have just been returning the favor after James had embarrassed him during a prior meeting this season. The back-and-forth between James and Brooks has gone on all season long.
Brooks also got into it with Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt. The Rockets wing had shoved Vanderbilt during a second quarter drive. The Lakers reserve was ejected a few plays later after shoving Brooks back.
Dillon Brooks shoved Vando while he was in the air… not even a play on the ball.
How was this not a flagrant? pic.twitter.com/E3TnwF2W08
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) January 30, 2024
Jarred Vanderbilt was ejected after getting into it with Dillon Brooks pic.twitter.com/EsciY2A7rI
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 30, 2024
Brooks finished with 17 points and 3 rebounds on 7/12 shooting. James tallied 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists in the lopsided loss.
Barring a postseason matchup, Monday’s game was the fourth and final contest between the Lakers and Rockets this season. The two teams split the season series 2-2.
The Lakers fell back to .500 with a 24-24 record after the loss. The Rockets, meanwhile, rose to just one game back of the Lakers at 22-24.
