Dillon Brooks’ front-row appearance adds twist to Lakers vs. Thunder
Feb 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) against the Los Angeles Clippers at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images LOS ANGELES — Once again, even with the Phoenix Suns out of the playoffs, players remain part of the postseason conversation — and this time it’s forward Dillon Brooks.
Jan 29, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) reacts against the Detroit Pistons in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Brooks was shown on the broadcast during Game 4 between the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder, sitting front row and enjoying the playoff matchup between two Western Conference heavyweights.
When cameras showed him courtside, fans online immediately reacted. Dec 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) against Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J.
Rebilas-Imagn Images The appearance carried extra significance considering Phoenix was swept by the Thunder just weeks ago in the first round. Instead of being on the floor Monday night, Brooks watched from the sidelines as Oklahoma City continued its playoff run. Another storyline attached to Brooks’ appearance was his ongoing rivalry with Lakers star LeBron James.
Matchups between Los Angeles and Phoenix frequently brought tension between the two, with physical play and visible frustration becoming part of the regular-season meetings. Dec 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) react during an altercation that resulted in a technical for Brooks during the second half of a game at at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images Because of that history, some fans applauded Brooks’ appearance as elite trolling, while others questioned why he would show up to watch the same team that eliminated him from the postseason.