Dillon Brooks and LeBron James have a long-held rivalry, and the Phoenix Suns star wasn't going to forget him when listing the biggest whiners in the NBA.
The two rarely match up without some sort of altercation, with Brooks proudly professing himself LeBron's number one hater. The pair have clashed on numerous occasions, including two Brooks ejections for fouls on the King.
When asked about the players in the NBA who love complaining to the officials, James was always going to get a mention. But he wasn't the only one.
Brooks gave Luka Doncic , Giannis Antetokounmpo , Steph Curry and Jaren Jackson Jr. the same label.
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
Brooks was on the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast back in March, where he was asked about the players that love to get onto the officials at any time.
He began with most people's top pick, Doncic.
Brooks said: "First one that come to mind for me, obviously Luka. Luka's obviously a big ass complainer."
Even Doncic himself would not begrudge that answer. The Lakers star never misses a chance to give referees a piece of his mind — worthy of the top spot.
Brooks continues: "Steph Curry. I actually gave him a shot. I gave him a shot right in his chest on a contest.
"Who else complains the most. LeBron for sure. Jaren Jackson. Old teammate."
Curry and LeBron are veterans in the league, and those seasoned pros can usually get away with a bit more attitude towards officiating. As for Jackson, we'll have to trust Brooks' experience with the former DPOY.
And to round out the top five, Brooks goes for another bona fide superstar, saying: "Last but not least, Giannis. The first time I ever played him, first thing he did was started screaming right off the rip.
"Driving the ball and be like, 'Hey!' Trying to get the fouls on me early so I don't have to guard him."
As frustrating as the complaining can be, it's become a huge part of the game. Some of the best players in the game rely heavily on the whistle to get their numbers.
Brooks himself is hardly a model player in the eyes of the refs, and the complaints against him are often fully justified. But that's what makes him one of the toughest 1v1 matchups in the NBA.
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