LeBron not trading trash talk with Brooks before Game 3

LeBron James chose not to react to remarks made by Memphis forward Dillon Brooks.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — LeBron James has seemed wise beyond his years since the start of his basketball journey, and he wasn’t about to drop down to Dillon Brooks’ level of discourse heading into a pivotal game for the Los Angeles Lakers.

James declined to respond to the Memphis Grizzlies’ top agitator Friday after Brooks said the top scorer in NBA history was “old” following Game 2 of the teams’ first-round playoff series, which resumes Saturday night (10 ET, ESPN) in Los Angeles.

The 38-year-old James patiently parried several questions about Brooks’ comments and about the importance of trash talk in general before abruptly cutting short his media session at the Lakers’ training complex. James never said Brooks’ name, but he clearly knew who’s behind the narrative trying to push its way into a competitive series after two eventful games in Memphis.

James stated, “I’m ready to play. That’s it.”

In Eastern Conference play on Saturday, the Philadelphia 76ers will seek a sweep against the Brooklyn Nets in Game 4. This will be followed by the Miami Heat, who will host Game 3 against the top-seeded Bucks, with the series currently tied at 1-1 after Miami secured an opening victory in Milwaukee.

During his 20 seasons, James has secured four NBA titles and four league MVP awards, in addition to almost every other conceivable achievement in the contemporary game. Brooks, who at 27 years old exceeds the median and average ages of current NBA players, has won a single playoff series throughout his six-year career.

If there was a competition based on resumes, James would win hands down. However, he wasn’t about to engage in such competitive tactics with Brooks. After Game 2, Brooks described his overall approach as “I poke bears.”

“Ultimately, there are always 10 players on the court,” said James. “The Grizzlies are one of the top defensive teams in the league and we have to acknowledge that. Regardless of who is playing for the Grizzlies at any given time, we must respect each player and concentrate on our offensive execution.”

On a historic night for the Lakers, James will return to compete against Brooks and the Grizzlies. This marks the first time in a decade, and the first time with James and Anthony Davis on the team, that the 17-time NBA championship franchise will host a playoff game in front of a full home audience.

After their first-round loss to San Antonio in 2013, the Lakers didn’t make it to the playoffs for six straight seasons. Their 2020 championship run took place in the Florida bubble. In 2021, they played three playoff games at home, losing in the first round to the Phoenix Suns. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the audience size was limited to less than half the stadium’s capacity.

“Looking forward to it, I am,” said James.

It remains uncertain whether Ja Morant will be available for Game 3, following his absence in Game 2 due to a sore right hand. However, the Grizzlies star seems to be recovering swiftly. He participated in a noncontact practice and individual drills on Friday in Los Angeles. Coach Taylor Jenkins stated that a decision regarding his game play would be made at game time.