James and Brooks were exchanging words near the end of Game 2.
It’s safe to say that Memphis Grizzlies’ forward Dillon Brooks has made his presence felt by LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers during and after their Game 2 matchup in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
Don't poke the bear, they say, especially in the playoffs. Brooks, however, does not care, yapping with James in various moments in the game.
Struggling all game and making only 5 out of 14 field goals, Dillon only made his first three of the game in the fourth quarter. Still, he let LeBron know about it with a staredown.
Fast forward to just under a minute and half remaining in the game, the Grizzlies enforcer hit the game-sealing three-pointer over James. And again, Brooks wasn't quiet about it.
Memphis would go on to win 103-93 over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 to tie the seven-game series at 1-1, but Brooks wasn't done with the trash talking.
When asked if it was a good call to instigate a star player, let alone a 19-time All Star in James, Brooks had this to say.
“I don’t care, he’s old,” said Brooks told reporters in the locker room after the game. ”I poke bears. I don’t respect no one until they come and give me 40.”
“I pride myself on what I do on defense and taking any challenge on the board,” Brooks added.
James, for his part, had a solid night overall as he finished with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists. The NBA's all-time leading scorer has yet to comment on what Brooks had to say about him, although he may have to shoot for 40 to silence the Canadian swingman.
Brooks and James will just have to settle their scores in Game 3, which will take place on Sunday, Manila time.