Dillon Brooks predicted LeBron James might retire following the Lakers' elimination from the playoffs. The Lakers lost to the Thunder, raising questions about James' future in the NBA.
Key points
Dillon Brooks predicts LeBron James might retire
Lakers eliminated by Thunder in playoffs
LeBron James' future in the NBA questioned
Brooks watched the game despite no vested interest
LeBron JamesDillon BrooksLos Angeles LakersOklahoma City Thunder
Game 4 of the Thunder-Lakers series was filled with storylines, as Oklahoma City closed out its second-round series in style to advance to its second Western Conference Finals in as many seasons.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shined, as did Ajay Mitchell. LeBron James enjoyed another strong showing. Predictably, conversations surrounding the 41-year-old turned towards whether he would suit up once more in 2026-27 or end his glittering career.
Then, there was Dillon Brooks. The Suns forward appeared to have no vested interest in the result of the matchup. But he watched on anyway, capturing social media's glare as he did so.
Q&A
What did Dillon Brooks say about LeBron James' retirement?
Dillon Brooks made a prediction that LeBron James might retire after the Lakers' playoff elimination.
Why are people discussing LeBron James' retirement now?
The discussion around LeBron James' retirement has intensified following the Lakers' elimination from the playoffs.
How did the Lakers perform in the playoffs?
The Lakers were eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the playoffs.
What is LeBron James' age and career status?
LeBron James is currently 41 years old and has had a successful career, leading to speculation about his future.
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Brooks and James have a checkered history with one another. That didn't stop Brooks from offering insight on what he thinks James' future plans will be, though.
Dillon Brooks makes LeBron James retirement prediction
Brooks was on site as the Thunder completed their four-game sweep of the Lakers on Monday night. He sat front row during the matchup, sporting glint pieces of jewelry -- including a diamond-encrusted grill -- while watching the two sides joust.
Some suggested that Brooks was trolling his longtime foe. The two have locked horns more times than most in recent campaigns. Nevertheless, Brooks was complimentary of the Lakers star, telling Yahoo Sports that he thinks James has plenty more to offer the game of basketball.
"I don't think it's his last year," Brooks said of James. "I think he got one more in him."
Brooks also praised James for his competitiveness and accomplishments.
"I watched him when I was in the NBA, when I was a kid in high school," Brook said. "He's got a phenomenal career and battled everybody and done it at a high level throughout. It's been amazing to watch overall, a pleasure to battle against him."
James and Brooks have had their fair share of dust-ups over the years. In 2021, James mocked Brooks with a "too small" taunt, sparking the rivalry.
Five years on, the two have gotten into it on multiple occasions. Brooks called out James while fielding questions from reporters after getting into it with NFL Hall of Famer and TV personality Shannon Sharpe when Brooks' Grizzlies faced off with James' Lakers in Jan. 2023.
"He doesn't want to go left. I was just making him go left all game," Brooks said of James to the media. "Then he would settle, or he would pass the ball. And then play physical with him, continuously bump him all of the time and don't let him take easy shots.
James returned the favor, besting Brooks' side in the 2023 playoffs. He took to social media to subliminally address his adversary.
It's unclear if Brooks' appearance at Monday's game was entirely related to his feud with James. He shares a close friendship with Gilgeous-Alexander. Brooks also was Phoenix's best player when the Suns took on Oklahoma City, averaging a team-high 26.0 points per game in their four-game set. Perhaps he wanted to bask in the glory of his showcase.
Nevertheless, Brooks' appearance at Crypto.com Arena had the basketball world talking. His words towards James were hardly as inflammatory as some might have expected, however. Perhaps time does heal all wounds, after all.
