What happened to Dillon Brooks and LeBron James?
THE TWO athletes were involved in a public controversy.
The feud between Dillon Brooks and LeBron James began during the 2023 NBA playoffs.
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What happened to Dillon Brooks and LeBron James?
The feud began in the first round of the 2023 NBA Western Conference Playoffs when the Memphis Grizzlies lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first game.
According to Sportskeeda, Grizzlies forward Brooks made “unappetizing comments” about Lakers forward James.
The beef continued after the Grizzlies’ win in game two, with Brooks targeting James again.
According to ESPN, Brooks, 27, called James, 38, “old.”
He added: “I poke bears. I don’t respect anyone until they come and give me 40.”
As the outlet also reported, Brooks was sent off in the third game of the series 17 seconds into the second half when he was “called for a flagrant foul 2” after hitting James in the groin.
On Sunday, April 30, Brooks expressed that he had no regrets about his remarks to James.
According to the Commercial Appeal, he told reporters, “No, I am. I do not regret it. I am a competitor. I compete.”
The publication said Brooks “added that he uses his trash-talking methods for his personal matchup.”
As reported by ESPN, James said of Brooks’ remarks: “Ultimately, I think my resume and what I’ve done for this league speaks for itself. I don’t really get into comments like that.
“As I continue to say, my focus at the end of the day is on my teammates and us trying to figure out a way we can beat the Memphis Grizzlies, not how I can try to beat one person on their team .
“If anyone knows me, they should know that’s what it’s always been about for me. Nothing else matters.”
Why was Dillon Brooks fined?
Brooks had previously declined to speak to the media following the Grizzlies’ losses in games three, four and six.
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This led to the NBA finening Brooks $25,000 for “violating league rules for access to media interviews,” according to Commercial Appeal.
Will Dillon Brooks continue with the Memphis Grizzlies?
Brooks will reportedly not play for the Grizzlies again.
According to ESPN, he is the “longest-serving” member of the Tennessee team, “but is set to reach free agency in the summer of 2023.”
As the outlet reported, Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman said he couldn’t discuss Brooks’ future with the team, but explained that the Grizzles would have to deal with “self-created distractions” during the playoffs.
However, according to The Athletic, “league sources” told Brooks that “under no circumstances” will he be brought back to the Grizzles.
The publication continued, “Memphis and Brooks discussed in exit meetings that it’s best for both sides to have a fresh start, sources added.”
The Grizzles’ 2023 season ended after their sixth-game loss to the Lakers.