LeBron James Had Some Unexpected Praise for Dillon Brooks and His New Contract

LeBron James spoke highly of Dillon Brooks ahead of their matchup on Wednesday.

The Lakers and Rockets will square off Wednesday night for the first time in the 2023–24 NBA season. Fans will be treated to the head-to-head matchup between Dillon Brooks and LeBron James, who got into it and made headlines last season when Los Angeles took on the Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs.

On Tuesday, Brooks discussed the matchup against James, saying he was “ready to lock him up.” 

When asked about Brooks on Wednesday, James had nothing but complimentary things to say about the 27-year-old.

“Every player that’s awarded with a contract is awarded for a reason. And they’re worthy of the contract that they get. I think in his case, he was worthy of the contract he got. He’s put in the work since he came out of Oregon, and Houston found value in him, and he’s here,” said James of Brooks, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. 

LeBron James credited Dillon Brooks’ competitive nature at shootaround in Houston and said he earned the contract he got from the Rockets coming off the Grizzlies-Lakers playoff series. pic.twitter.com/BHrDGdBybz

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 8, 2023

Brooks signed a four-year, $86 million contract with the Rockets in the offseason. In his first six games in Houston, Brooks has averaged 16.3 points and 4.7 rebounds while shooting at a scalding hot 56.5% clip from three-point range.

In regard to their previous meetings, James said he doesn’t dwell too much on the past matchups.

“He’s one of those guys who loves to compete,” said James. “But I don’t really dwell in the past too much … I kind of leave that in the past.”

Wednesday’s game tips off at 8:00 p.m. ET, as James and L.A. will look to pick up their first road win of the season against Brooks and a Rockets squad that’s won each of its last three games.