Memphis Grizzlies Forward Shares Harsh Thoughts on LeBron James

It didn't take long for the Memphis Grizzlies to get their confidence back. After last night's 103-93 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks shared his thoughts after guarding LeBron James for much of the night. He didn't hold back:

Classic Dillon Brooks on his confrontation with LeBron James: “I don’t care. He’s old. … I poke bears. I don’t respect someone until he gives me 40.”

And Brooks had plenty more to say. pic.twitter.com/uWLONrubPZ
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) April 20, 2023

For his part, Brooks wasn't a particularly effective scorer: he logged 12 points on five of 14 field goal attempts. But that isn't what he's hanging his hat on.

"I don't respect no one until they come and give me 40 (points)," Brooks said. "I pride myself on what I do is defense and taking on any challenge."

James led the Lakers with 28 points on 12 of 23 field goal attempts and also snatched 12 rebounds, so it isn't like he was ineffective. Still, the Grizzlies are clearly feeling themselves: after dropping Game 1 128-112 and losing their leading scorer Ja Morant to a hand injury, they averted potential disaster by snatching a vital win last night.

That all being said, 1-1 is hardly the place a two-seed wants to be in a first-round matchup with a seven-seed. The Grizzlies and Lakers play their next two games in Los Angeles, and Morant's status remains in doubt; if the Lakers can protect their home court, they'll take a decisive lead in the series and put the Grizzlies on the ropes, whether or not James scores 40. Brooks should be careful: smack talk looks pretty silly after an opening-round playoff exit.