Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James said repeated clashes with Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks were simply part of fierce competition after a tense matchup on December 14, 2025, at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix.
The game featured several heated moments. Midway through the first half, Brooks drew a technical foul when the two exchanged shoves. The tension resurfaced in the third quarter, this time resulting in a technical on James.
With the Suns leading by one in the closing seconds, Brooks buried a three-pointer, celebrated in front of James and delivered another shove. Following video review, officials assessed Brooks a second technical, triggering an automatic ejection. James then hit free throws that sealed the Lakers’ narrow victory.
The rivalry between the players dates to Brooks’ tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies. Speaking on Spectrum SportsNet after Sunday’s game, James said the confrontations never crossed the line. “We’re both out there competing,” he said, adding that if his shove earlier drew a technical, Brooks’ late-game celebration deserved the same penalty.
The Pacific Division opponents meet three more times this season, with the next contest scheduled for next week. Brooks told reporters he believes his trash talk unsettles James, but the Lakers forward once again walked away with the win on Sunday.
Source: LakersNation.com
