Dillon Brooks on LeBron James: “Knock Him Out Right Away in the First Round”

Memphis Grizzlies Guard/Forward- Dillon Brooks spoke with Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal today after their team practice and was asked about potential opponents in the first round of the NBA playoffs, Brooks said “I wouldn’t mind LeBron in a seven-game series, the legacy is there. First time back in the playoffs, knock him out right away.” Brooks then went on to explain why he’d like the matchup, “They’ll test us good. They got good pieces, good players. That’ll be a good first-round matchup.”

The Lakers and Grizzlies have had a good bit of a rivalry brewing, especially heating up this season, when Lakers and LeBron James superfan- Shannon Sharpe attended a game between the two teams back in January. The Lakers went on to win the game 122-121. It’s worth noting that this was the only Lakers vs. Grizzlies matchup that Brooks played in.

The NFL Hall of Famer and former Broncos and Ravens Tight End quickly apologized for the incident on Undisputed with Skip & Shannon, you can see that here. Credit to Mr. Sharpe for owning up to his actions and apologizing and admitting that he was wrong.

Perhaps the rivalry and everything from past seasons like the video below when James hit Brooks with the “too small” gesture could be the reason Brooks’ competitive spirit wants the Lakers over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round. Just be careful what you ask for, Brooks specifically pointed out the legacy of one LeBron James, that legacy is there for a reason. Brooks isn’t wrong for wanting to be the team to eliminate the Lakers, they are after all one of the best teams in the NBA since the trade deadline, going 17-9 during that stretch to end the season with a 43-39 record overall. The Lakers initially started the season 2-10, quite the turnaround to say the least.

The Lakers face the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight in the Play-In Tournament (April 11th, 10:00 p.m. ET) at Home for the purple and gold. The winner will move on to face the Grizzlies in the first round while the loser will play an elimination game Friday.

What do you make of Brooks’ statement, arrogant or confident? Let us know in the comments below!

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