LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers entered Monday’s Game 4 home matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder at risk of elimination.
James’ long-time nemesis, Phoenix Suns wing Dillon Brooks, seemingly couldn’t resist the chance to watch the 22-time All-Star potentially get swept on his home floor. Brooks was shown smiling courtside early in the contest, sparking entertaining reactions.
Dillon Brooks’ Game 4 Appearance to Troll LeBron James Leaves NBA World in Stitches
While Brooks has never come close to reaching James’ level of play, even amid the Lakers star’s age-41 season, he has consistently been a thorn in his side.
The nine-year veteran has been an outspoken critic of James since their first-round playoff clash in 2023, when Brooks was a member of the Memphis Grizzlies.
Two teams later, Brooks has remained a provocateur of the four-time MVP, bluntly stating earlier this year that he feels comfortable trash-talking James at this stage of his career because he’s “old.”
As LA, trailing OKC 3-0 in the Western Conference semifinal series, fought to keep its season alive Monday, James headed to the charity stripe early in the first quarter. After sinking the first of two free throws, the camera panned to Brooks grinning beneath the basket, sending the NBA world into a frenzy.
Dillon Brooks is enjoying himself. 🤣🔥 pic.twitter.com/0Fb3GLnIuZ https://t.co/z9nWT2fU4D
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 12, 2026
“Dillon Brooks got front row seats to hate watch LeBron ðŸ˜ðŸ˜,” BrickCenter quipped.
Dillon Brooks got front row seats to hate watch LeBron ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ pic.twitter.com/UkadcrPwrH
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) May 12, 2026
“Nah, man, Dillon Brooks a REAL VILLAIN. Bro showed up to Game 4 just to hate watch LeBron. I’M IN TEARS 😂😂😂,” Hater Report reacted in disbelief.
Nah man Dillon Brooks a REAL VILLAIN
Bro showed up to Game 4 just to hatewatch LeBron I’M IN TEARS 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/noAnFRa7pS
— Hater Report (@HaterReport) May 12, 2026
“Dillon Brooks stopping by his biggest hater’s funeral just to make sure they’re dead,” Barstool Sports joked.
Dillon Brooks stopping by his biggest haters funeral just to make sure they’re dead pic.twitter.com/lZ8PZBu16E
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) May 12, 2026
“Dillon Brooks really showed up courtside at the Lakers to watch LeBron get swept by SGA. That man’s petty game is built different,” Yahoo Canada’s Vivek Jacob remarked.
Dillon Brooks really showed up courtside at the Lakers to watch LeBron get swept by SGA
that man’s petty game is built different
— Vivek Jacob (@vivekmjacob) May 12, 2026
“Seats on the wood for the sweep is a crazy level of hating 😂 The NBA needs more guys like Dillon Brooks. They’re more fun,” The Athletic’s Frank Michael Smith contended.
Seats on the wood for the sweep is a crazy level of hating 😂
The NBA needs more guys like Dillon Brooks. They’re more fun https://t.co/gpjAYwLYMI
— Frank Michael Smith (@frankmikesmith) May 12, 2026
“Dillon Brooks is a North American treasure,” NBA reporter Adam Spolane declared.
Dillon Brooks is a North American treasure https://t.co/P5KAZfYprJ
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) May 12, 2026
However, others weren’t as fond of Brooks’ latest antics.
“Dillon Brooks, I promise being able to sit courtside for the second round of the playoffs is not the flex you think it is,” The Guardian’s Claire de Lune pushed back.
dillon brooks: i promise being able to sit courtside for the second round of the playoffs is not the flex you think it is
— claire de lune (@ClaireMPLS) May 12, 2026
While James had a forgettable first-half performance, logging 10 points on 3-for-9 shooting (33.3%), Brooks didn’t even make it to Round 2. His Suns were swept 4-0 by the Thunder in the first round, with three of their four losses coming by double figures, making his decision to appear at Crypto.com Arena all the bolder.
Though the Lakers rallied to take control entering the fourth quarter, James and Co. ultimately couldn’t match Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder’s shot-making ability down the stretch, suffering a season-ending 115-110 defeat.
