LeBron not trading trash talk with Brooks before Game 3

LeBron James chose not to react to the remarks made by Dillon Brooks, a forward for Memphis.

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.

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

In Eastern Conference action on Saturday, the Philadelphia 76ers aim to secure a sweep against the Brooklyn Nets in Game 4. Following this, the Miami Heat will host Game 3 against the top-seeded Bucks, with the series currently tied at 1-1 after Miami clinched the opener in Milwaukee.

During his 20 seasons, James has achieved practically everything possible in the modern game, including winning four NBA titles and four league MVP awards. On the other hand, 27-year-old Brooks, who is older than both the median and average ages of current NBA players, has managed to win one playoff series in his six-year career.

If there were a contest based on resumes, James would win by a landslide. However, he had no intention of engaging in any such rivalry with Brooks. Brooks outlined his overall approach after Game 2 by saying, “I poke bears.”

“Ultimately, there are always 10 guys on the court,” said James. “We must acknowledge that they are among the top defensive teams in the league. Regardless of who is representing the Grizzlies at any given moment, be it during a quarter or a minute, we need to respect each of them and focus on our offensive execution.”

On a historic night in Lakers history, James is set to face Brooks and the Grizzlies. This marks the first time in a decade, and the first time with both James and Anthony Davis on the team, that the 17-time NBA champion franchise will host a playoff game in front of a full home crowd.

After their first-round loss to San Antonio in 2013, the Lakers failed to make 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 in a first-round defeat to the Phoenix Suns, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, less than half of the stadium’s capacity was filled.

“James said, “I’m looking forward to it.””

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 rapidly. He participated in a non-contact practice and individual drills in Los Angeles on Friday. Yet, Coach Taylor Jenkins stated the final decision on his participation will be made at game time.