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.
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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.
Nah man Dillon Brooks a REAL VILLAIN
Bro showed up to Game 4 just to hatewatch LeBron I’M IN TEARS 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/noAnFRa7pS
— Hater Report (@HaterReport) May 12, 2026
That boy Dillon brooks over there fresh as hell ain’t he. Generational hater
— Sports Enthusiast (@OGJohnLee) May 12, 2026
This guy can’t be that big of a hater and pay money to be courtside. All time lame move from Dillon Brooks. pic.twitter.com/LAgM6ngEaB
— Premal Bhatt (@prem_brulee) May 12, 2026
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. Either way, it became another moment where the Suns — despite their season ending weeks ago — still found themselves tied to the NBA playoff spotlight.
Rivalries and personalities rarely disappear when a season ends. If anything, the playoffs only magnify them further — even off the court.
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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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