The Phoenix Suns took a cautious, game-time approach with Dillon Brooks as he continues to manage a nagging left Achilles soreness—but his own antics ensured he wouldn’t need to worry about minutes for long. Brooks was ejected during the Suns’ matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, adding yet another volatile chapter to his long-running rivalry with LeBron James.

From the opening tip, James and Brooks were locked in, jawing and bumping their way through the night. The Suns’ 29-year-old forward had already picked up a technical foul when tensions finally boiled over during a brief stoppage in play.

With no loose ball, no scramble for possession, and no clear provocation, Brooks suddenly stepped into LeBron’s space and forcefully bumped chests. James immediately backed away as officials stepped in, quickly ending Brooks’ night.

If history is any indication, it’s unlikely Brooks regrets a thing.

That earned Brooks his second tech and an immediate ejection from the game. It was late in the game, with seconds left in the last quarter. He had played about 25 minutes in this game and had 18 points.

What Triggered Dillon Brooks’ Confrontation?

Brooks had just given the Suns a 113-114 lead with a three. James apparently had run through him during that, and it ticked off his rival. The shove kind of cost the Suns.

James made the next two free throws, then Marcus Smart made his free throw. That ended the game in a 116-114 win and redemption for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The longtime rivals targeted each other throughout the game. But James backed out of that last almost scuffle for good reason.

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What Happened During Dillon Brooks and LeBron James’ Altercation?

Earlier this month, the Suns ended the Lakers’ seven-game winning streak in an embarrassing fashion. They forced 22 turnovers, nine of which were Luka Doncic’s alone. The team discussed the Suns’ confusing defensive strategy, which contributed to their dismantling and ultimately led to a 125-108 win.

The worst of all, Brooks taunted James, who was struggling to keep his double-digit streak alive at the time. James was also trash-talking Brooks at the Suns’ bench during a timeout. It got a bit intense when Bronny James posterized Dillon during that game.

Tonight, the Lakers travelled to Phoenix with a grudge from that game. Once more, Brooks and James reignited their rivalry.

In the first quarter, Brooks ran into James and shoved him. That was his first tech.

Earlier in the game, Brooks made unintentional contact with the ball in James’ hands. The league’s all-time leading scorer, with a decade over him, lost his cool over that. Brooks snuck off while Bron was yelling at him and at the referees. Rui Hachimura stepped in to keep Bron in check.

That got James a technical foul. The unsportsmanlike behavior will also result in a $2,000 fine, which James confirmed after the game that he was prepared for. But this tech was a game-changer.

James consciously backed away from Brooks’ last-second provocation when the Suns had a small lead. It got Brooks out of James’ hair to close the game in the Lakers’ favor. Contrary to the last time he faced the Suns, James had an improved game, scoring 26 points while still struggling from the arc and the free-throw line.

The Lakers have improved to 18-7 since the Spurs eliminated them from NBA Cup contention. Now James will just have to pay up his first fine of the season before meeting the Jazz on Thursday.