What happened with Dillon Brooks and LeBron James?

THE TWO athletes have been involved in a public controversy.

Dillon Brooks and LeBron James' feud began during the 2023 NBA Playoffs.

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What happened with Dillon Brooks and LeBron James?

The feud began during the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs Western Conference when the Memphis Grizzlies lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in Game One.

According to Sportskeeda, Grizzlies forward Brooks made "unsavory comments" toward Lakers forward James.

The beef continued following the Grizzlies' Game Two win, with Brooks once again taking aim at James.

According to ESPN, Brooks, 27, called James, 38, "old."

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He added: "I poke bears. I don't respect anyone until they come and give me 40."

As the outlet also reported, in the third game of the series, Brooks was kicked off the court 17 seconds into the second half when he was "called for a flagrant foul 2" after he struck James in the groin region.

On Sunday, April 30, Brooks expressed that he does not regret his remarks toward James.

According to Commercial Appeal, he told reporters: "No, that's who I am. I don't regret it. I'm a competitor. I compete."

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The publication said that Brooks "added that he uses his trash-talking methods for his personal matchup."

As reported by ESPN, James said of Brooks' remarks: "At the end of the day, I think my résumé and what I've done for this league speaks for itself. I don't really get caught up in any comments like that.

"Like I continue to say, at the end of the day, my focus is to my teammates and us trying to figure out a way how we can beat the Memphis Grizzlies, not how I can try to beat an individual on their team.

"If anybody knows me, they should know that's what I've always been about. That's all that matters."

Why was Dillon Brooks fined?

Brooks had previously refused to talk to the media following the Grizzlies' losses in Games Three, Four, and Six.

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This led to the NBA fining Brooks $25,000 for "violating league rules governing media interview access," as Commercial Appeal reported.

Will Dillon Brooks continue with the Memphis Grizzlies?

Brooks will reportedly no longer play for the Grizzlies.

According to ESPN, he is the Tennessee team's "longest-tenured" member" but "is set to hit free agency" during summer 2023.

As the outlet reported, Grizzlies General Manager Zach Kleiman said that he could not speak on Brooks' future with the team, but stated that the Grizzles had to handle "self-created distractions" during the playoffs.

However, according to The Athletic, "league sources" told Brooks that he will not be brought back to the Grizzles "under any circumstances."

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The publication continued: "Memphis and Brooks discussed in exit meetings that it’s best for both sides to have a fresh start, sources added."

The Grizzles' 2023 season ended following their Game Six loss to the Lakers.