LeBron James helped the Lakers push their way into the playoffs. However, their first-round matchup is quite concerning as they are headed to Memphis to face the Grizzlies. Even though the Lakers have good enough pieces to settle the score once and for all, Memphis has simply dominated this season. The latter is also heavily favored to win the series. Despite the power they possess, the Lakers have a few ways they can escape a first-round exit.
Recently, Dillon Brooks came forward to speak about his first-round opponents. His eyes are set on the prize and on LeBron James. He knows precisely how important this series is to Bron’s legacy, which is why he wants to shut down the King for good.
According to Mark Giannotto, Brooks said, “I wouldn’t mind playing LeBron in a 7-game series…The legacy is there. First time back in the playoffs, knock him out right away in the first round. It’ll test us good. They got good pieces, good players, and that’ll be a good 1st round matchup for us.”
“I wouldn’t mind playing LeBron in a 7-game series…The legacy is there. First time back in the playoffs, knock him out right away in the first round. It’ll test us good. They got good pieces, good players, and that’ll be a good 1st round matchup for us.”
– Dillon Brooks
(Via… pic.twitter.com/ycxXTXgVw0
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 11, 2023
In retrospect, LeBron James’ Lakers have a winning record against the Grizzlies this season. This is certainly not the first time Brooks has tried taunting his opponents. The Grizzlies forward has had several run-ins with former rivals Golden State Warriors and Draymond Green.
Despite the overconfidence Dillon shows, he is still a very important piece on Memphis’ roster. He adds a lot of power on defense and he could play a vital role in shutting down James’ scoring.
LeBron James worries about the Memphis Grizzlies ahead of their playoff meeting
Considering how well the Grizzlies played through the season and their history of shutting down powerful forces, LeBron James ought to be worried. Coming into this matchup, the Lakers will have to arrive with blazing guns.
It will not be an easy task for them. However, their roster is far more functional than it was earlier this season. Dennis Schröder, Rui Hachimura, and D’Angelo Russell are their new star players to rely on.
LeBron admittedly did not think about Memphis until now. During the post-game press conference, he said, “Really good team, very well coached, very well balanced. Obviously, the head of the snake is Ja Morant. But another All-Star in Jaren Jackson who’s up there for the Defensive Play of the Year. His ability to block shots, but offensively he’s very dynamic as well… Dillon Brooks, opportunity to go out there and you can’t disrespect him because he makes shots.”
I asked LeBron for his early thoughts on the Memphis matchup. After listing out his scouting report for most of their rotation, he deadpanned, “Obviously, I haven’t thought about Memphis one minute.” pic.twitter.com/PeUJ4sXJYs
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) April 12, 2023
He concluded by saying, “And they got so many guys off the bench that you can’t disrespect because they will make you pay. Obviously, I haven’t thought about Memphis one minute.” James had an exceptional stretch of games coming into the play-in tournament. He scored 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds along with 6 assists, shooting 12-21 from the field against the Minnesota Timberwolves.