Grizzlies ready to cut ties with controversial star after LeBron James taunts

03 May 2023 , 12:22

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Dillon Brooks will not remain with the Grizzlies, with his Play-Off antics playing a key part in his downfall (Image: Getty)

The Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly set to cut ties with Dillon Brooks this offseason after a series of taunts aimed at NBA rivals like LeBron James backfired.

According to The Athletic, the Grizzlies have informed pending unrestricted free agent Brooks that he will not be brought back under any circumstances.

The beginning of the end for Brooks at the Grizzlies started in the first-round Play-Off series with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he disrespected legend and four-time NBA champion, James, by calling him “old” and “tired”, while suggesting that the all-time leading scorer is not as good as he used to be.

Brooks then took digging James out to a whole new level when he punched the Lakers star in the groin in Game Three. The 27-year-old was then ejected as a result.

In Game Four, Brooks “missed a defensive assignment to help on James on the game-tying basket”, before his rival got a critical basket over him in overtime.

LeBron James edges closer to NBA scoring record with jaw-dropping Lakers display

Brooks then decided to dodge the media after three of the losses in the six-game series and was slapped with a whopping $25,000 (£19,900) fine from the NBA. In Game Six, the Grizzlies were blown out 123-85 in a humiliating end to the series.

Dillon Brooks' taunting of NBA all-time leading scorer, LeBron James, backfired as the Lakers won the Play-Off series 4-2 (Getty)

Despite his taunts backfiring, Brooks doubled down on his actions. “No, that's who I am,” he said, as carried by the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “I don't regret it. I am a competitor. I compete.”

The Lakers effortlessly getting past the Grizzlies set up a mouth-watering Western Conference semi-final series with reigning NBA champions, the Golden State Warriors.

And James’ fine form in search of a fifth NBA crown, and a record-breaking 18th for the Lakers, continued as he scored 22 points while keeping a close eye on fellow star Steph Curry in a 112-117 victory.

Dillon Brooks hit LeBron James in the groin, resulting in an ejection (Getty)

James has, however, fired his Lakers teammates a warning for the rest of the series. “We got to do a better job,” James said post-game.

“I think, even though late, they made a run, and I think throughout the second half, just only giving up 48 points, that’s really good.

“But we had a couple of lulls where we allowed those guys—Steph, Klay, and Jordan—to get some looks. And if we’re really tuned in, it won’t happen.”

Joshua Mbu