Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. opened up about the team's playoff loss to the Lakers and believes his teammate, Dillon Brooks, may have had something to do with it.
Former Memphis Grizzlies player Dillon Brooks has a lot of names. He's been called a vicious thorn in the side by some, a dirty instigator by others, and to his own teammates, he could even be called "the reason the Grizzlies lost to the Lakers in the 2023 playoffs."
Well, not the only reason, but an indirect reason nonetheless.
Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. appeared on "Podcast P with Paul George" and gave his frank opinion on Brooks' comments during the Grizzlies-Lakers series earlier this year.
According to Jackson, Brooks' infamous "I poke bears" comment helped give L.A. extra motivation in the matchup, lighting a fire underneath LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers to send Memphis home in six games.
Jackson said:
"It helped L.A. get around something and get some energy… but he is old. He kicked our ass and he's old."
Jaren Jackson Jr. calls out Dillon Brooks for helping Lakers in the playoffs
Of course, Brooks' comments alone didn't cause the Grizzlies' postseason downfall, one that featured the Lakers' Game 6 series-clinching victory in which L.A. won by exactly 40 points.
But those who keep receipts will remember the exact words Brooks used to trash-talk LeBron after Game 2. The now-disgraced free agent called LeBron "old" and said he didn't "respect no one 'til they come and give me 40."
Well, after poking the bear, the bear roared back at Brooks. In Game 3, Brooks would get ejected for a flagrant-2 foul on LeBron, and the Lakers would go on to win back-to-back games on their home turf, extending their series lead to 3-1.
LeBron, who averaged 22.2 points and 11.2 rebounds per game that series, mostly took the high road during the Lakers' eventual rout of the Grizzlies, but he did post something snarky on social media to snap back at Brooks.
Whereas Brooks' fiery comments turned out to be all bark and no bite, LeBron's smartly decided to open his mouth after the Lakers had won the series, casually telling the public, "If you ever see me fighting in the forest with a Grizzly bear, HELP THE BEAR."
Consider it a valuable lesson learned for Brooks, who has since been kicked to the curb by the Grizzlies and told he would not return to the team "under any circumstances."
As for Jackson, he may have been trying to do some damage control during his podcast appearance, calling LeBron "the greatest player to play" and noting that he hopes he gets another chance to face the Lakers star in the playoffs again.
Other than the trite "He's old" statement, no bears were poked in Jaren Jackson Jr.'s podcast appearance. Between Jackson and The King, there's nothing but respect.
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