Photo — LeBron James: Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Dillon Brooks: File:Dillon Brooks.jpg (CC BY 2.0)
The Short Version
NBA forward Dillon Brooks and superstar LeBron James have engaged in an ongoing multi-year rivalry on and off the court, featuring trash talk, on-court technical fouls, ejections, and media commentary across multiple team tenures.
Latest Development
Brooks mocks James' move to Philadelphia 76ers
Following news that James agreed to sign with Philadelphia, Brooks commented during an online broadcast that James was trying to get another ring and collect documentary footage.
July 31, 2026 · Public statement
The Beef
Chronological, newest first. Every entry cites a source.
Beef timeline
July 31, 2026
Brooks mocks James' move to Philadelphia 76ers
Public statementFollowing news that James agreed to sign with Philadelphia, Brooks commented during an online broadcast that James was trying to get another ring and collect documentary footage.
Source ↗July 23, 2026
Brooks explains viral courtside laughing meme
Public statementSpeaking on the Road Trippin Show, Brooks explained he was laughing courtside because James was complaining to a fan about throwing shade while the Lakers were facing elimination.
Source ↗May 12, 2026
Brooks spotted courtside during Lakers playoff game
Verified eventBrooks attended Game 4 of the Lakers-Thunder playoff series using tickets obtained through agent Rich Paul, where a cameras caught him laughing courtside near James.
Source ↗December 20, 2025
Brooks ejected after late-game altercation with James
Verified eventDuring a Suns-Lakers game on Dec. 20, 2025, Brooks hit a go-ahead 3-pointer before being ejected for chest-to-chest contact with James. Three days later, Brooks publicly called James a 'social media junkie.'
Source ↗November 2023
James compliments Brooks while repeating 'too small' gesture
Public statementFollowing a 105-104 Lakers victory over the Houston Rockets in which James repeated the 'too small' gesture, James described Brooks as 'a great competitor' and noted he enjoyed competing against him.
Source ↗2023
Grizzlies-Lakers playoff series intensifies conflict
Public statementDuring the 2023 first-round playoff series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies, Brooks publicly called James 'old' and stated 'I poke bears,' escalating the high-profile media feud.
Source ↗2021
James uses 'too small' celebration against Brooks
Verified eventTensions between James and Brooks began rising in 2021 after James performed a 'too small' celebration during a game against Brooks.
Source ↗
Where It Stands
Active. The rivalry remains active in media commentary, with Brooks continuing to comment publicly on James following James' decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers in July 2026.
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Sources
- 1.SourceBrooks mocks James' move to Philadelphia 76ers · Jul 31, 2026
- 2.SourceBrooks explains viral courtside laughing meme · Jul 23, 2026
- 3.SourceBrooks spotted courtside during Lakers playoff game · May 12, 2026
- 4.SourceBrooks ejected after late-game altercation with James · Dec 20, 2025
- 5.SourceJames compliments Brooks while repeating 'too small' gesture ·
- 6.SourceGrizzlies-Lakers playoff series intensifies conflict ·
- 7.SourceJames uses 'too small' celebration against Brooks ·
Allegations are attributed to the party that made them and are not statements of fact.