Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
LOS ANGELES – Dillon Brooks’ persistence in going at LeBron James isn’t accidental. It’s a deliberate, identity-driven strategy built on psychology, competitive framing, and a belief that refusing to defer to legend status gives him, and the Phoenix Suns, an edge. When Dillon Brooks said he doesn’t “bow down” to LeBron James, that stance makes him one of the league’s rare players willing to poke one of the sport’s most decorated superstars. (Credit: Duane Rankin | AZCentral)
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Dec 1, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix forward Brooks (3) moves to the basket against Los Angeles guard Austin Reaves (15) and forward James (23) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Dillon Brooks takes shots at LeBron James:
“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
Dillon Brooks ended up taking it to the Lakers on Monday night and truly gave his two cents on and off the court. Brooks ended up shooting 15-for-26 with 33 points and had his moments where he truly was getting James frustrated.
Dec 1, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles forward James (23) brings the ball up court against Phoenix during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
What makes this deeper is the truth beneath the trash-talk: every era needs its villains, its disruptors, its players who test the boundaries of hierarchy in a league dominated by icons. Brooks leans into that role as competitive fuel. His approach isn’t for everyone, but it is undeniably effective in shaping emotional tempo. When he antagonizes James, it’s not just about the moment; it’s about altering the psychological landscape of the matchup.
Dillon Brooks taunted Lebron with his own shoulder shrug celebration 😭😭
NOBODY fears or respects that fraud
Players NEVER disrespected Kobe or Jordan like this pic.twitter.com/4DIzL6Dp5H
— TheTruth (@Thetruth8240) December 2, 2025
Fans, both in Phoenix and across the NBA, understand Brooks’ intensity and attitude as he has made that a part of his game. Rivalries give these matchups meaning beyond the scoreboard. They create narrative stakes, deepen loyalty, and elevate regular-season battles into must-watch events.
Nov 29, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix forward Brooks (3) against the Denver Nuggets in the first half at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
