Los Angeles Lakers All-Star forward LeBron James has been in the NBA for a long time, 21 years to be exact, and during that stretch, he has made some enemies. Given how great he is, there are always going to be those who want to go up against him to challenge themselves.
James got another added to his long list in the postseason last year when former Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks went at him. Brooks trashed talked James during the six-game series, and he became public enemy number one for the Lakers fans.
Brooks, now with the Houston Rockets, has continued the banter this year during his two matchups with Los Angeles. Most recently on Sunday, James decided to return the favor after scoring on him during the game.
The King hit the “too small” celebration on the Rockets forward, and it was likely due to pent-up annoyance from James.
While James doesn’t need to justify himself to Brooks, he still loves the competitiveness that it brings out in him. Brooks doesn’t back down, and James loves it. But he also had to show Brooks who was boss as well.
The Lakers got the better of Brooks in the postseason last year, eliminating the Grizzlies in six games. And now the Rockets have played the Lakers twice, with each team taking a game.
The Brooks-James rivalry has become one of the more fun ones around the NBA lately, and each time the teams meet, it’s fun to discuss. They both know it will be a battle with each other, and they are both up for the challenge.