"Brooks has been treated like a public enemy at Crypto.com Arena since the first round of the 2023 playoffs, when he infamously boasted "I poke bears" and dismissively called LeBron James "old" after the Memphis Grizzlies' Game 2 win. Brooks struggled the rest of the series, his final games in a Memphis uniform, as the Lakers eliminated the Grizzlies in six games."
"Brooks agitated the crowd and James throughout the game Monday. He talked trash relentlessly and celebrated several of his buckets with animated gestures that were strikingly similar to some of James' favorite celebrations. For instance, Brooks stared down James after a transition dunk in the second quarter and twice did an exaggerated shoulder shrug, prompting jeers from fans. "I love playing in this arena," Brooks said. "They show me a lot of love in here, and I reciprocate it back.""
Dillon Brooks scored 33 points and helped the Phoenix Suns beat the Los Angeles Lakers 125-108. Brooks repeatedly taunted the crowd and LeBron James, using exaggerated celebrations and trash talk that echoed past playoff confrontations dating to the 2023 first round. He performed signature gestures, including staring down James after a transition dunk and twice doing an exaggerated shoulder shrug, drawing jeers. Brooks said he enjoys the arena's attention, reciprocates the energy, and asserted that he does not "bow down." LeBron briefly barked at Brooks during a third-quarter timeout. The Suns improved to 13-9, buoyed by Brooks' intensity.
Read at ESPN.com
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