Six months ago, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers gained the best of Dillon Brooks and the Memphis Grizzlies in their sudden rivalry during the 2023 Western Conference playoffs.
Since then, Brooks moved on to the Rockets, where his superb defense and hot shooting (59.3% overall, 56.5% on 3-pointers) has played a key role in Houston’s three-game winning streak.
Part of the defensive formula for Brooks has long involved an aggressive on-court mentality. Even after that underwhelming playoff run, Houston’s ace defender isn’t backing down from anyone. That includes James, one of the best NBA players of all-time.
With James and the Lakers visiting Toyota Center on Wednesday night, here’s what Brooks said at Tuesday’s practice:
I’m ready to lock him up. He’s been shooting the ball well, playing well, so I’m just there to make him tired. Make him get into that fourth-quarter early.
Wednesday’s tip between the Rockets (3-3) and Lakers (3-4) is 7 p.m. Central. With a win, Houston could move above .500 for the first time since very early in the 2020-21 season.
Dillon Brooks on his matchup with LeBron
“Ready to lock him up” pic.twitter.com/YnNNUMZWk5
— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) November 7, 2023
