Today at 8:00 p.m. ET, the Los Angeles Lakers (3-4) will visit the Houston Rockets (3-3) at the Toyota Center. This will be the season’s first matchup between these two teams, and the trash-talking has already commenced. Both have had their ups and downs early this season, so it should be an interesting game. To make matters worse, a controversial player poked the bear yet again. Rockets star Dillon Brooks has not changed his approach since last season. Here is what he had to say about LeBron James before the big game.
Houston Rockets Star Says He Is Ready to Lock Up LeBron James
Dillon Brooks’s Comments On LeBron James
James is 38 years old and averaging 25.3 points, 5.9 assists, and 8.4 rebounds this season. Before Wednesday’s matchup, Brooks was asked by Rockets reporter Lachard Binkley about his matchup with James. In the video, Brooks seemed confident in his defensive abilities and here is what he had to say.
“I’m ready to lock him up,” Brooks said. “He’s been shooting the ball well, so I’m just there to make him tired, make him get into that 4th quarter early.”
This is not the first time Brooks has “poked the bear.” It all started last season.
A History of the Rivalry Between LeBron James and Dillon Brooks
All of last year, when Brooks was a Memphis Grizzly, he kept throwing jabs at James. With comments like “I don’t care he’s old” or “I don’t respect no one until they come and give me 40 (points),” you would think James would respond on Twitter or something. Those comments by Brooks came in Game 2’s 103-93 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Instead, James and the Lakers took the words to heart and left it all out on the court. James did not score 40 like Brooks wanted but was a key factor in eliminating the Grizzlies in the playoffs by going 4-2 in their series.
Where is Dillon Brooks Now After Those Comments Last Season?
Not only did James and the Lakers eliminate the Grizzles, they went all the way to the Western Conference Finals, where they came up short against the Denver Nuggets. Last season, Brooks got eliminated by James’ Lakers, kicked off the Grizzlies, and Canada came up short in the FIBA World Cup tournament. However, Brooks looked more focused in the FIBA World Cup and seemed to be turning a new leaf by joining the Rockets.
Brooks is currently averaging 16.3 points, 2.2 assists, and 4.7 rebounds. He is doing well defensively, and after those comments last season and their loss to the Lakers, you would think Brooks was humbled. Sadly, old habits die hard, and Brooks is back at it again. The question is, can Brooks back up his words, or will James try to outplay him? Will he humble him once and for all? We will find out tonight.
