Although neither Pacific Division team is viewed as a serious championship contender in 2025-26, there’s been no love lost in the rivalry between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers.
The addition of Dillon Brooks to The Valley brought with him an edge and a culture shift that’s earning Phoenix respect around the league, including from Lakers star Luka Doncic.
While Brooks has carried on an ongoing feud with NBA all-time leading scorer and Luka’s teammate LeBron James, his propensity to talk trash on the court while backing it up with his play (even earning All-Star buzz as a result) is getting attention from a different Laker.
Speaking on the podcast “Cousins with Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady,” Doncic was asked by Carter who talks the most trash on his team.
Without hesitating, Doncic said, “Me.”
Carter then pivoted to ask Doncic who talks the most trash in the league. McGrady interjected to say it’s got to be “that kid from Minnesota,” referencing Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards.
Luka went a different route.
“Brooks,” Doncic said as he mused about the league’s best trash talkers.
Carter responded with a “that’s my guy” before Doncic expanded on the thought by saying, “I love playing against him.”
According to Statmuse, Doncic has averaged 29.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game in 12 games played against Brooks. In his two games against the Suns this season, Doncic averaged 33.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. Phoenix is 2-1 against the Lakers in 2025-26 so far, with one of those wins coming when Doncic didn’t suit up to play.
McGrady chimed in after Doncic said he loves playing against Brooks by saying, “Yeah, you want that challenge … you want to shut him up.”
Doncic simply said, “He’s been playing good this season.”
That’s a bit of an understatement, as Brooks is in the midst of a career year with Phoenix. In addition to shifting the culture and the team’s defensive identity — leading to a winning record — Brooks is scoring a career-best 21.2 points per game on a career high 44% shooting.
He’s been even more dangerous against the rival Lakers this season, averaging 25.3 points per game against them while shooting a ridiculous 62% from the field and 45% from 3-point range. Think the Lakers have a bit of a defense problem?
Brooks and Doncic are both elite trash talkers who seem to up their respective games when they face off against one another. That’s all you can ask for out of star players.
When do the Suns play the Lakers next?
The Suns have two more showdowns against the Lakers on the schedule.
They'll play against LA at home on Thursday, Feb. 26, and then will have a final game against the Lakers on the road on April 10.