Dillon Brooks Rattles LeBron, Suns Stun Lakers

Dillon Brooks openly baited LeBron James after the Suns’ 125-108 win, saying, "He likes people that bow down. I don't bow down." Brooks, who has long tried to get under LeBron’s skin, led Phoenix with 33 points as the Suns upset the Lakers — a result that highlights Phoenix’s surprising rise and LeBron’s continued struggles returning from sciatica. Merlin sees this as more than theater. Brooks arrived in Phoenix via the Durant trade and is averaging a career-high 22.3 points; his swagger and scoring burst give the Suns a new identity beyond star names. For the Lakers, LeBron’s drop to 15.2 points is a warning sign; team balance has masked it so far, but the calendar will expose weaknesses.