LeBron James will celebrate his 42nd birthday on Dec. 30 in Phoenix with a game against Dillon Brooks and the Suns. The new Philadelphia 76ers star will hope to make it count with a win against one of his more recent rivals.
However, Brooks is using James’ birthday as “ammunition” to fuel his desire to win against the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
“I’m excited. That’s more ammunition for me to win that game, but it should be fun.”
Brooks and James have developed a notable on-court rivalry since 2023. It began with Brooks saying James was old and that he only respects players who have scored 40 points against him. Brooks has also said he didn’t fear James as much at this stage of his career.
NBA fans following this storyline had four games each year to see Dillon Brooks and LeBron James duel, but it won’t be possible moving forward, with the latter heading to Philadelphia. After James faces Brooks on Dec. 30 for the first time as a Sixer on the road, he will host him and the Suns on Feb. 17 at his new home floor at the Xfinity Mobile Arena.
LeBron James’ other marquee matchups as a Sixer
LeBron James could be playing his final season in the NBA. He has a player option next year, which he could exercise to opt out and retire. Given that possibility, every marquee showdown James has in the upcoming season will likely draw the most eyeballs.
James will begin his Sixers career on opening night (Oct. 20) of the new season at MSG against the New York Knicks. On Nov. 6, James will return to Cleveland for the first time after snubbing the Cavaliers as a free agency landing spot.
On Christmas Day, James will play arguably his biggest game of the season when he visits Los Angeles to face the Lakers for the first time since his move. He left the team this offseason after reportedly feeling he was no longer a priority with the franchise focusing on building a team around Luka Doncic.
The matchup will be closely watched, given James’ move away from Los Angeles, to see which side benefited from the parting.
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