Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks declined to speak with the media after a low blow Flagrant 2 foul to LeBron James got him ejected from a Game 3 loss to the Lakers on Saturday. Brooks did have plenty to say after Memphis' practice on Sunday.
As he met with reporters during an off day between Games 3 and 4 of the NBA Playoffs, Brooks, who avoided suspension, addressed his ejection, talked about his reputation among fans and media and revealed the details of his viral pregame conversation with James.
When asked about his ejection, Brooks hinted that the referees' decision to deem the foul a Flagrant 2 stems from "the media making me a villain, the fans making me a villain, that just creates another persona on me.”
MORE: Fact checking Dillon Brooks bold claim about defending LeBron James
Early in the second half of Game 3, Brooks was guarding James after a Grizzlies turnover to start the half. As James crossed over from left to right, Brooks' swipe at James resulted in a groin strike, which was ruled a Flagrant 2 after an official review.
Dillon Brooks was ejected after receiving a flagrant 2 for this hit to LeBron. pic.twitter.com/LL9CLRAryy
— ESPN (@espn) April 23, 2023
Whether or not it's villainous is up for interpretation, but Brooks has seemingly leaned into some type of persona for the last few seasons.
MORE: How Dillon Brooks became the NBA's biggest heel
Brooks has been engaged in an ongoing back-and-forth with James, saying "I don't care, he's old," and calling the four-time MVP out following Memphis' Game 2 win. "I don't respect someone until he gives me 40," Brooks added.
In between Games 2 and 3, James declined to address Brooks' comments to the media, but he did make sure to confront Memphis' forward during warm-ups in the moments leading up to Game 3.
What do you think Bron is saying to Brooks? 👀
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) April 23, 2023
pic.twitter.com/hjztfF54T3
As for what James said to him during the moments that were captured by TV cameras, Brooks told reporters that "he just told me his birthday."
MORE: LeBron James shrugs off Dillon Brooks' flagrant foul and trash talk
James has maintained that he does not want to engage in a personal back-and-forth with any member of the Grizzlies, and Brooks' ejection and latest comments may suggest a change in tone as the series continues.
Facing a 2-1 series deficit, Memphis will look to even things up when it takes on LA in Game 4 of the series on Monday, April 24 at 10 p.m. ET.
