The Los Angeles Lakers are favored to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs.
However, things could get tougher for the franchise after that, potentially inspiring it to upgrade its roster in free agency.
Los Angeles could be interested in acquiring LeBron James’ ex-rival, who averaged 14.0 points per game in the regular season.
Dillon Brooks was far from James’ best friend when he competed alongside Ja Morant with the Memphis Grizzlies.
From delivering low blows about James to the media to flagrant fouling the four-time NBA champion forward during a 2023 playoff series, Brooks made it clear his beef with James was real.
Surprisingly, Brooks has toned down his antics with the Rockets this year and avoided getting on James’ bad side.
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Brooks, a hard-nosed on-ball defender enjoying a career year from deep, has helped Houston begin the postseason as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.
The Oregon product averaged 14.0 points per contest on 42.9% field goal shooting and 39.7% three-point shooting in 75 regular-season contests.
Still, there’s no guarantee the 29-year-old pro will be a part of the franchise next year.
“The Houston Rockets certainly have had a season to remember,” Sir Charles in Charge’s Michael Saenz wrote last Sunday.
“They’re going to enter the NBA playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the West and will be in a position to make some noise. But no matter how this season ends for the Rockets, this is a team that should be excited about their future.”
“One player who may or may not be considered a key part of their future is Dillon Brooks. Even though he’s had a pretty strong season this year, there’s a chance the Rockets could look to trade him with his value at a high.”
“Even more so considering he has two years, $40 million left on his contract, it could make sense for the Rockets to utilize that money elsewhere – especially if the whispers are accurate that Houston intends on shopping for a veteran star player this summer.”
With Brooks and James no longer feuding, the Lakers may consider bringing the impactful Rockets contributor to Los Angeles.
Brooks’ gritty nature and confident three-point shooting would help boost the Lake Show on both ends.
The Lakers have multiple assets that could appeal to the Rockets this summer, making an offseason deal for Brooks a legitimate possibility.
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