Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks Says No Regrets on Trash-Talking, Leaves Door Open for Return

Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks made a name for himself in the playoff series against the Lakers, and not always in a good way.

Brooks instead became known for “poking the bear” that is Lakers star LeBron James with trash talk, including calling James “old” and saying he doesn’t respect opponents who don’t score 40.

Well, James and the Lakers eliminated Brooks and the Grizzlies in six games, with LA winning the finale by 40.

James has since fired back in his own way on social media, though he has not named Brooks by name.

Still, Brooks told reporters Sunday he has no regrets for trash-talking vs. the Lakers because that’s just who he is, per Drew Hill of the Daily Memphian.

Now, Brooks is set to enter unrestricted free agency, eligible to sign with any team this summer. It’s not known yet how heavily the Grizzlies will try to bring him back, given the whole playoff meltdown.

Dillon Brooks did not rule out coming back. But he said he’s not going to change his approach to talking. And he was critical of his role: “I felt like, with all this criticism, I could have gave a lot more. And I wasn’t given enough.”

— Geoff Calkins (@geoff_calkins) April 30, 2023

At the very least, they are expected to make a run at Brooks — though GM Zach Kleinman declined to give any hints during his season-ending media availability.

“There were definitely some self created distractions in the series and along the way,” Kleinman said, adding that he would discuss Brooks at a later time, via Hill. “We are going to take a different approach (next season).”

Brooks, for his part, suggested he is more than open to a return.