“He Likes People Who Bow Down,” Dillon Brooks Doubles Down on LeBron James Disrespect After Lakers vs. Suns Clash

Phoenix Suns star Dillon Brooks clashed with LeBron James as the Suns took down the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.

“He Likes People Who Bow Down,” Dillon Brooks Doubles Down on LeBron James Disrespect After Lakers vs. Suns Clash

LeBron James (Left) and Dillion Brooks (Right) (Image credits - Firstsportz)

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It is well known in the NBA world that LeBron James and Dillon Brooks do not like each other. The two have often clashed and have exchanged heated conversations over the last few years. And it was no different on Monday night when the Phoenix Suns took on the Los Angeles Lakers at the Crypto.com Arena.

It was a convincing 125-108 victory for the Suns as they snapped the Lakers’ seven-game winning streak. It was the second night of a back-to-back for the Lakers, who showed some signs of fatigue during the game turning the ball over 21 times.

In the latest chapter of the LeBron James and Dillon Brooks rivalry, the two stars were at it again. Often regarded as a villain in the league, the Canadian international is known for getting under the skin of his opponents, especially James, who is usually unaffected by such acts.

Not only did Brooks have the last laugh as the Suns came up on top, he put in an impressive performance as well. The 29-year-old was top-scorer for his team with 33 points in 33 minutes. While James had a difficult night offensively, scoring just 10 points to go along with three assists in 31 minutes. It was the Lakers’ first loss since his return from injury as they were 4-0 with James in the starting lineup.

Following the win, Brooks spoke to the media in an interview about his exchange with James:

I’m a competitor man, I don’t like to smile and giggle and all that. So letting him know that I’m here. I’m still rising. He likes people who bow down, I don’t bow down so that either entices him or aggravates him, either-or.

The four-time champion is currently averaging 15.2 points, four rebounds and 7.2 assists this season as he continues to find his way back into top condition. The win keeps the Suns at seventh in the Western Conference standings with a 13-9 record while the Lakers remained at second and dipped to 15-5.

LeBron James’ heated exchange with Dillon Brooks and the Suns bench

While there have been several exchanges between James and Brooks whenever they go head-to-head, the tensions on Monday were clearly ignited by the Suns forward. During the second quarter, Brooks stared down James after a transition dunk and did an exaggerated shoulder shrug, a celebration the latter has used several times throughout his career.

And it was not just once but twice. The celebrations brought the boos out from the Lakers fans, who were unhappy with Brooks’ actions.

LeBron James
LeBron James (Image credits – beIN Sports)

During a timeout, James had a few words for Brooks and the Suns bench before being pulled away by his teammates.

The two will meet again sooner rather than later as they lock horns again on December 23 at the PHX Arena.

Lakers lacked energy against the Suns

Fatigue may have played a role in the Lakers’ loss on Monday. Three games in four nights is bound to take a toll on the players. While James was rested for the first of the back-to-back against the New Orleans Pelicans, he did seem to struggle to find his wind against the Suns as the soon to be 41-year-old has had a slow start to the 2025-26 campaign by his standards.

After the loss, head coach JJ Redick was not happy with the lack of energy from his players throughout the game:

If you don’t play hard against that team, you’re gonna get exposed.

League MVP candidate, Luka Doncic, was the only player to cross 20 points for the Lakers as he ended up scoring 38 points alongside 11 rebounds and five assists. But he does deserve some criticism for committing nine turnovers out of 21. Reaves had a rare off-night as well scoring just 16.

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