A lot comes with adding LeBron James to the Philadelphia 76ers’ roster. Championship expectations are higher, primetime matchups are coming more frequently, and the team suddenly inherits one of the league’s strangest—yet entertaining rivalries. The Sixers can now look forward to playing one of the NBA’s most notable villains, Dillon Brooks.
Since Brooks has spent his entire career playing in the Western Conference, he has played LeBron James more frequently. That won’t be the case in 2026-2027, as LeBron chose to move back to the Eastern Conference. However, the Sixers will go head-to-head with the Phoenix Suns twice—and one of those matchups falls under LeBron James’ birthday.
Dillon Brooks reacts to the news of the big event
Brooks didn’t realize that the December 30 matchup between the Sixers and the Suns was the day that LeBron James is going to turn 42, but he knows now. When reporters asked him about it recently, the veteran forward dropped his reaction.
“I’m excited. That’s more ammunition for me to win that game, but it should be fun,” Brooks told reporters.
Now, when it comes to the topic of the Suns facing LeBron less frequently than before, Brooks admitted that he doesn’t care much. It might even make the rivalry more entertaining. “No, I’m not [disappointed] at all. It’ll build up for the games that we play.
The Dillon Brooks-LeBron saga
Dillon Brooks is recognized as one of the biggest trash talkers in the NBA. It started during his run with the Memphis Grizzlies and has continued up to this point. The 30-year-old clearly thrives on getting under the skin of his opponents, and the internet loves to fuel the Brooks-LeBron rivalry that’s probably more one-sided than fans like to believe.
James hasn’t said much about Brooks in the past, while the Phoenix Sun is very open to talking about his feelings towards the Sixers’ new superstar. Clearly, Brooks is looking forward to the buildup of playing LeBron on just two dates in 2026-2027. As for LeBron, he can look forward to having the intense Philly crowd behind him going at Brooks. With the Brooks-LeBron rivalry being such a talking point in the NBA, you can bet that Sixers fans will embrace it to defend their star.
The first matchup takes place at 9 PM ET in Phoenix, Arizona, on December 30. The second game will take place in Philadelphia for a 7 PM ET tip-off on February 17, 2027.
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