Luka Doncic and Dillon Brooks
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Lakers' superstar Luka Doncic revealed that he loves playing against Suns' guard Dillon Brooks
The Los Angeles Lakers are limping their way into the All-Star break, as their big three of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves are all out for their clash against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night. While the team is sitting comfortably in fifth place in the Western Conference currently, it’s safe to say that the Lakers have not been firing on all cylinders this season.
There has been a lot of drama surrounding the Lakers this season, with one of the more notable storylines revolving around James and his beef with Phoenix Suns guard Dillon Brooks. However, in what registers as something of a surprise, Doncic offered a positive review regarding Brooks and his trash-talking tendencies.
Luka Doncic Praises Dillon Brooks’ Trash-Talking Skills
Cousins with Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady
.@mrvincecarter15: “Who talks the most trash on the team?”
Luka Doncic: “Me.” 😂
Vince: “Who talks the most trash in the league?”
@lukadoncic: “[Dillon] Brooks. … I love playing against him.”
In his first full season with the Lakers, Doncic has been at the center of pretty much everything that has gone right for the team. The superstar guard is leading the league in scoring (32.8 points per game) while also averaging 8.6 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game. Doncic’s efficiency has also taken a jump back up, as he’s shooting 47.3% from the field after hitting just 45% of his shots last season.
With Doncic leading the way for L.A., that has resulted in a smaller role for his veteran teammate, James. While the 41-year-old legend is still putting up strong numbers (21.8 PPG, 6.9 APG, 5.7 RPG, 50.2 FG%), his impact has been more muted now that he’s alongside Doncic. Beyond that, he’s also found himself the target of Brooks whenever the Lakers match up with the Suns.
Brooks has become notorious for trash-talking his opponents from the opening tip-off, and one of his favorite adversaries is James. Throughout the season, James has made it clear he isn’t a fan of Brooks’ antics, and for the most part, his teammates have had his back. In a surprise turn, though, Doncic revealed that he loves going up against Brooks because of his competitive nature.
“(Dillon) Brooks,” Doncic said when asked who talks the most trash in the league on “Cousins with Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady.” “I love playing against him. He’s been playing good this year.”
Lakers Hoping to Go on a Run After All-Star Break
Luka Doncic, Lakers
GettyLuka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after shooting a three-point basket.
Doncic’s comments are a bit surprising. While he’s an outrageously competitive player, just like Brooks, it’s been unique to see him outwardly praise one of James’ top enemies in the league. This likely isn’t a diss at his fellow superstar teammate, but in Los Angeles, everything seems to be a source of drama, so could this become an issue in the future?
For the time being, this is the least of the Lakers’ concerns. For now, the team is looking to reset during the upcoming All-Star break, with the hope being that once they return to action later this month, they will be able to go on a run up the standings. Once the season ends, though, the team will have some serious questions to answer regarding James’ future in Los Angeles.