The 2022–23 NBA playoffs has seen its share of memorable moments, among them Lakers superstar LeBron James’s “beef” with Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks throughout their second-round series.
Brooks’s back-and-forth with James turned into the stuff of playoff lore as many believed it fueled the future Hall of Famer’s domination of Memphis to lead L.A. to a 4–1 series win. The 27-year-old garnered plenty of attention for his antics from his team, fans and pundits, outside noise teammate Jaren Jackson Jr. believes may have ultimately cost Memphis in the long run.
During a recent podcast appearance, the Grizzlies star told Clippers star Paul George he thinks James found extra energy in the trash talk, and it helped him propel the Lakers to victory. But, while Jackson admitted the antics may have led to Memphis’s downfall, the All-Star forward stood firmly by Brooks on one thing: the fact that the 38-year-old James is, indeed, old.
“It helped L.A. get around something and get some energy, get some life, and they went in the game with some life. But he is old, and he kicked our ass and he’s old,” Jackson said on the latest Podcast P with Paul George.
Jackson added to his point by highlighting recent rumors about James considering retirement, and even rolled his eyes when George’s co-host, actor Jackie Long, said James isn’t old.
While Jackson’s rebuttal may have sounded like shade, the 23-year-old still made sure to show reverence to King James before looking ahead to a future rematch. After telling George he was a LeBron fan growing up and calling the four-time champion the “greatest player to play,” Jackson made it clear he hopes Memphis sees L.A. again in the postseason.
“I hope we get a chance ’cause I don’t know, like how many more years he wants to do it,” he said.
Like Jackson, many NBA fans would likely be interested in Grizzlies-Lakers Part 2 after this year’s fireworks. What role Brooks may possibly play in the matchup remains to be seen, however, due to the likelihood that the self-proclaimed “poker of bears” may not be with Memphis next season.
Note: This video contains profanity.
Jaren Jackson Jr. was asked if he thought Dillon Brooks calling LeBron James "old" backfired in the Grizzlies-Lakers series.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 5, 2023
"It helped L.A. get around something and get some energy... but he is old. He kicked our ass and he's old."
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