PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns faithful didn’t just leave with a win before Christmas, as they also saw another side of Dillon Brooks as Phoenix dominated the Los Angeles Lakers, 132-108, on Tuesday night.
Dec 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
After a tense two-point loss to the Lakers on Dec. 14, a game marked by frequent jawing between Brooks and LeBron James, the Suns entered Tuesday seeking redemption. They delivered it with a performance defined by balance, energy and control from start to finish.
However, much of the attention centered on Brooks and the edge he brought throughout the night.
Dec 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) defends against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Brooks leaned fully into his long-established “villain” role. He had a lane violation during one of James’ free throws and then attempted to high-five him when he had another. He celebrated tough, contested shots with a dance and embraced the team’s work against the Lakers.
After being subbed out late in the third quarter, Brooks spent part of the fourth seated along the baseline, interacting with the broadcast camera as Phoenix continued to overwhelm Los Angeles.
Dillon Brooks: LOCKED IN TONIGHT!
He pours in 25 PTS in PHX’s W over LAL 🔥 pic.twitter.com/tp9wjrtkR5
— NBA (@NBA) December 24, 2025
Dillon Brooks high-fived LeBron after he made FT 😂😭 pic.twitter.com/v248gyQ14S
— House of Highlights (@HoHighlights) December 24, 2025
Brooks’ presence underscored his growing importance to the Suns. He has become an emotional catalyst for a team that has at times lacked an edge, injecting intensity and personality into its identity. The forward has helped draw eyes back to Phoenix as the Suns continue to exceed expectations.
He finished with a game-high 25 points without recording a rebound or an assist. The unusual stat line was enough in the lopsided win.
Dec 23, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) shoots the ball against Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Known throughout his career for his pregame seriousness, Brooks appeared to relish the moment in a redemption-style performance and one that Suns fans won’t soon forget.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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