LeBron James is playing his 23rd season in the NBA, and throughout his career, it has become clear that he has developed intense confrontations with certain players, moments in which friction grows, and even animosity can surface whenever they come face-to-face on the court.
That is precisely what has happened with Dillon Brooks of the Phoenix Suns, who seems to ignite James every time they meet, pushing him beyond his comfort zone and testing his patience. This rivalry has not gone unnoticed by current players or former NBA figures, who increasingly view it as one of the league’s most compelling storylines.
A duel that goes beyond NBA hardwood
For Kendrick Perkins, every encounter between LeBron James and Dillon Brooks crackles with tension. Speaking on the latest episode of the Road Trippin’ Show, Perkins explained how Brooks’ presence in Phoenix has given the Suns a completely different identity.
When you think about the Phoenix Suns, you don’t think about Devin Booker right now. You think about Dillon Brooks. I don’t give a damn what nobody say, this guy has become one of my favorite players in the NBA. Winning follows him. They hadn’t had a leader like him since CP3. He’s a culture changer. This is the best one on one rivalry in sports.
Perkins then added that the intensity between James and Brooks has reached a level where it has transcended basketball itself, becoming a spectacle that fans actively anticipate.
We all agree this is the best individual rivalry in sports. We look forward to this and shout out to the Phoenix Suns because I didn’t believe y’all was going to be sh*t this year.
A rivalry that continues to rise between LeBron and Brooks
During the 2025 season, the Lakers and the Suns have faced each other three times, with two more meetings scheduled: one on February 26 at Phoenix’s home arena and another on April 10 at Crypto.com Arena.
Of the first three matchups, the Suns have claimed two victories while the Lakers have won one. The tension between James and Brooks in those games has consistently fueled conversation across social media platforms.
For Brooks, facing the Lakers has been particularly productive. Against them, he is averaging 25.3 points and one rebound while shooting 62% from the field and 45% from three-point range in 27.1 minutes per game.
On the other side, LeBron has posted the following numbers against Phoenix: 19.7 points, 4.3 assists, and 1.7 rebounds per contest, while shooting 43.9% from the field and 35.7% from beyond the arc in 31.1 minutes.
For now, the Lakers will shift their focus to their Christmas matchup against the Houston Rockets, aiming to maintain their winning momentum and keep building confidence as the season progresses.
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