LeBron James on surprising Dillon Brooks performance ahead of Lakers vs. Rockets

NBA

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Dillon Brooks is fanning the flames ahead of his first game against LeBron James since the first-round feud of the 2023 NBA playoffs.

But ahead of Wednesday’s Lakers-Rockets game in Houston, James took a surprising stance on the former Grizzlies firebrand – who signed a four-year, four-year deal with the Rockets this offseason. Contract worth $86 million.

after brooks tell reporters On Tuesday, James heaped praise on his playoff rival after saying he was “ready to lock down (James).”

“Every player who gets a contract is rewarded and they deserve the contract they get,” James told reporters during Wednesday’s shootaround. “I think as far as him, he deserves the contract he gets. Since he He’s put in the work since he left Oregon State and that’s what Houston found in him and he’s here.”

After the Grizzlies beat the Lakers in Game 2 to tie the series in April, the 27-year-old Brooks called the 38-year-old James “old” and said, “I poked the bear.”

Brooks was ejected from the Lakers’ Game 3 win after hitting James on the belt, and Brooks later accused the media of “making a villain out of me” for portraying the groin shot as intentional.

The Lakers ultimately won the series 4-2.

James said he hadn’t thought about the series before Wednesday’s game.

“Not too much,” James said. “Just in terms of playing, it’s always great to go out and compete. He’s one of those guys, like a lot of other guys in our league, that loves to compete. But I’m not too hung up on the past.”

James averaged 25.3 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.9 assists in seven games as the Lakers remained undefeated at home (3-0) and winless on the road (0-4).

Brooks contributed 16.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists for the Rockets (3-3), who have won three straight games.