LeBron James has faced many instigators over his 20-year career, and Dillon Brooks is just the latest of them that stands between James and a potential championship. On the court, Brooks hasn’t made things easy for the Purple and Gold. But it’s really in front of the cameras where Brooks is causing the most upheaval.
After calling the Lakers star ‘old’ and saying he wished he’d have played against Miami LeBron or Cleveland LeBron, Brooks shrugged off James as a challenging opponent and was seemingly trying to bait LeBron into some kind of response. Instead, LeBron tried his best to ignore the noise and keep the focus on beating Brooks where it ultimately matters the most.
LeBron James on if he has a response to Dillon Brooks’ comments: “No.”
James was asked if trash-talk has ever affected a series he’s been involved in: “The game is won in between the four lines. Always has. Always will be.”
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) April 21, 2023
Eventually, Lebron shut down the entire line of questioning in what was likely an attempt to avoid saying something he’d regret.
After generally side stepping questions about Dillon Brooks’ comments, LeBron James cut off his media availability with a simple message. pic.twitter.com/yVcWNWf5g4
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 21, 2023
James knows more than anyone what’s at stake for the Lakeshow here. In his 20th season, with Anthony Davis becoming more injury prone every year, time may be running short for the franchise to capture another championship in the James era.
And that’s why it’s important for the Lakers to capitalize on the opportunity now and make a stand while they are mostly still healthy. In short, they cannot let Dillon Brooks distract them if they want to win the series.
Will Dillon Brooks Regret Poking The Bear?
James may not be the same player he used to be, but he’s still capable of monstrous performances on any given night and he is more likely to have another explosive game on Saturday to make a statement to Brooks and all the other doubters.
In truth, Brooks may come to regret starting a war with LeBron.
“I love it, but he didn’t poke the bear. He poured honey on himself,” said Kendrick Perkins. “That bear is coming, that bear is LeBron James. He didn’t poke the bear, he poured honey on himself. LeBron James is on his way.”
At this point, there’s no question that LeBron will be fully locked in for Game 3. With the series tied, and his opponent showing some major disrespect, don’t be surprised to see him turn back the clock to ensure a Lakers victory.
If not, we can expect the Grizzlies to get even louder if Brooks gets validation for his bold trash talk.
Source: https:/fadeawayworld.net
