LeBron James praises Dillon Brooks as ‘worthy’ of Rockets deal

HOUSTON — Dillon Brooks’s heel turn during the Memphis Grizzlies-Los Angeles Lakers playoff series may have increased his value, but LeBron James believes that Brooks truly earned his contract with the Houston Rockets.

“I think every player that is awarded with a contract is awarded for a reason, and they’re worthy of the contract that they get,” James said Wednesday when asked about Brooks’s market value.”

Brooks signed a four-year, $80 million deal to join the Houston Rockets, a team that also added coach Ime Udoka and veteran guard Fred VanVleet. They join a young, talented core of Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun.

During the playoff series, Brooks famously called James “old” and struggled on the court, averaging 10.5 points on 31.2% shooting. In contrast, LeBron James excelled, averaging 22.2 points on 48.6% shooting with 11.2 rebounds and 5.2 assists.

Brooks welcomed the opportunity to face James and the Lakers again, stating, “He’s shooting the ball well. He’s been playing well. So I’m just there to make him tired, make him get into that fourth quarter early.”

James, however, is focusing on the present and the Lakers’ performance on the road, rather than dwelling on the past competition with Brooks.