As the trade window is now open, speculation across the league has reached a fever pitch. Large-market franchises, in particular, are expected to explore bold moves that could instantly thrust them back into championship contention.
When it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers , many believe that an enforcer-type defender like Dillon Brooks would be an ideal missing piece that could help them contend for a title. However, Jason Williams remains convinced that such a move will never materialize largely because of LeBron James .
It is no secret that superstars often have significant influence over the kind of supporting cast they want around them, and James, even in his Year 23, is no exception. However, Brooks is someone who has built a reputation by repeatedly disrespecting Bron, whether in press conferences or during games, by getting under his skin, celebrating in his face, or engaging in cheeky trash talk.
According to "White Chocolate," that history is enough to ensure that LBJ would never approve of Brooks joining the Lakers.
Moreover, Williams went as far as to claim that the only way Brooks can feature on the Lakers roster is if the Purple and Gold swap him with James himself — something which is beyond unrealistic. As a result, Jason urged the media and everyone else to shut this claim down and move on from this vision.
"I don't see Bron allowing that either. You think LeBron wants to play with Dillon Brooks ? What's the Lakers gonna give up for Dillon Brooks?" Williams questioned on his show. "Dillon Brooks to the Lakers for Bron - that way that (move) will happen. Dillon Brooks makes the Lakers no better. If you replace him with AR… man, they got Luka Doncic."
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On a different note, what makes these speculations even more unrealistic is Brooks' importance to the Phoenix Suns this season. When the team was entering the 2025-26 campaign, many expected them to be a middling team, heavily reliant on Devin Booker as their lone All-NBA-level scorer, surrounded mostly by role players.
However, Brooks has delivered his best season to date, averaging a career-high 21.2 points per game and emerging as a crucial reason why the Suns sit just four wins behind the second seed in the Western Conference.
Additionally, beyond the numbers, it is Brooks' fearlessness that has elevated Phoenix. He consistently takes on the toughest defensive assignments and never hesitates to take or make big shots when the moment demands it. On top of that, his willingness to get involved with the gritty, somewhat dirty work has added another level of intensity to the team.
Perhaps that is why Suns owner Mat Ishbia seems to have found a new favorite in Dillon, especially since the franchise has already seen the repercussions of making several star-studded moves in the past to desperately attain success, only to fail.
Related: "Don't bother calling" - Phoenix Suns team owner shuts down Dillon Brooks trade talks
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jan 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
