Dillon Brooks of the Memphis Grizzlies had multiple interactions with Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James during Game 2, and he continued to troll while meeting with the media.
The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a stunning victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1 of their first-round series. On Wednesday night, both teams met for Game 2, with the Grizzlies shorthanded as Ja Morant was out due to a hand injury. But, the Grizzlies were able to pick up the 103-93 victory.
During the game, Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks was highlighted chirping at Lakers star LeBron James. There was Brooks bumping into him after James made a fadeaway jump shot. And then, Brooks got in James’ face to stare him down after making a three-pointer.
If you thought Brooks was done trolling James, he continued after the game.
While speaking with the media, Brooks was asked about his confrontation with James, with the reporter saying that some people might not think that’s a great idea. Brooks responded by calling James “old,” saying that he “pokes bears,” and that he doesn’t “respect someone until he gives me 40.” Brooks’s comments can be seen in the video below, courtesy of ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
Dillon Brooks trash-talks ‘old’ LeBron James after Game 2
Brooks wasn’t done, as he said after the game that he wished he guarded James back when he played for the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Miami Heat, saying “it would’ve been a much harder task.” That quote comes courtesy of Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
And just like that, Game 3 between Memphis and Los Angeles just got that much more interesting. Let’s just say, cameras for ESPN will be focused on the Brooks vs. James matchup, as they should.
James led the Lakers on Wednesday night with 28 points scored, while making 12-of-23 shots from the field. The star also hauled in 12 rebounds to pick up the double-double.
As for Brooks, he didn’t have a prolific night in terms of shooting, scoring nine points while making 5-of-14 field goal attempts. Additionally, he dished out three assists and hauled in one rebound, but picked up five fouls.
For those who want to see if James can drop 40 points, or if Brooks can back up his talk, tipoff for Game 3 will be at 10:00 p.m. ET on ESPN this Saturday, Apr. 22.