Dillon Brooks on LeBron James rematch – ‘Ready to lock him up’

Rockets forward Dillon Brooks – who made waves during last season’s playoffs when, as a member of the Grizzlies, he called LeBron James ‘old,’ challenged the Lakers superstar to a score 40, then hit him in the groin in the third game – isn’t he changing his approach ahead of their rematch Wednesday in Houston.

“Ready to lock him up,” Brooks said Tuesday, according to the Houston Chronicle. “He shoots the ball well. He plays well. So I’m just there to tire him out, get him in early in that fourth quarter.”

Brooks’ “bear shots” didn’t do much to help the Grizzlies’ cause last April, as they were eliminated from the first-round series in six games by the Lakers, with James recording 22 points and 20 rebounds in the fourth game. the first 20-20 line of his career.

The Grizzlies opted not to attempt to sign Brooks in free agency this summer due to his often antagonistic antics, among other factors. He then agreed to a four-year, $80 million contract with the Rockets.

James publicly evaded questions about Brooks’ comments, although his social media activity following Los Angeles’ eventual victory was less veiled.

“I feel like he (James) controls the media,” Brooks said Tuesday. “I feel like a lot of guys, you know, have these podcasts and like social media, but I don’t really like that. I don’t really like media. If I didn’t have you talk, I would. I don’t talk to you guys. And you know, I block everything out and just play basketball.

Brooks, 27, averaged 16.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists during his first season with the Rockets (3-3), who have won three consecutive games. James, 38, is averaging 25.3 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.9 assists for the 3-4 Lakers.

“Court him when he wants to talk about it,” Brooks said of his plan to keep James. Every time he stands in the neighborhood, I push him. I push him while running. If he guards me, I want to attack him. I just make him commit several actions.”

However, for all his talk of resuming their rivalry, Brooks insists, “It’s not about me or him.”

“That’s what the game said at the start of the game: LA Lakers versus Houston Rockets,” he said. “It’s about us getting the win and keeping the winning streak going.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.