Skip Bayless explains why ‘he lost respect’ for Dillon Brooks

Long-time NBA analyst Skip Bayless recently accused Dillon Brooks, who became a meme for “hate-watching” during the Los Angeles Lakers‘ Game 4 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder last May, of selling out to LeBron James.

Brooks and James have shared a fierce rivalry in the past few years, which is why Bayless was surprised to learn that Brooks actually asked James’ agent, Rich Paul, for courtside tickets to watch the said contest.

“I just lost respect for Dillon Brooks, who admits he got his courtside seat at the Laker playoff game from Rich Paul,” Bayless posted on X. “Come on, don’t sell out to LeBron. Don’t lose your ‘Dillon the Villain’ edge vs LBJ. Don’t turn into Draymond (Green), going from LBJ enemy to business partner.”

It is important to note that Brooks’ agent, Mike George, is signed with the Klutch Sports Group, which explains his connection with Paul. However, it’s hard to envision that Brooks will take it easy on James the next time they share the court.

May 19, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks in attendance at the Phoenix Mercury game against the Toronto Tempo at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

After the Oklahoma City Thunder swept the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2026 playoffs, Dillon Brooks said he wanted to watch the Thunder face the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round. And during Game 4, he was seen laughing courtside while LeBron James was shooting his free throws.

“Cause when we were playing against OKC, I was just so like just locked in, locked in, locked in,” Brooks said on the Road Trippin’ Show. “So now I’m like, let me watch it from the other point of view. So I wanted Game 3, like it’s easier for Game 4. I’m like, all right, perfect for Game 4. And then I get to the seats. I’m like, ‘Oh, s–t.’… So like I guess he was talking to a fan or something. Like a LA fan, and I guess he was like, ‘I know you’re throwing shade at me.’

“You know how he talks like, ‘I know you’re throwing shade at me. I know, I know, I know, so I’m looking at him, I’m like, ‘Oh my god, he’s really worried about this fan right here, and you’re 3-0 right now.’ I’m just cracking up right here, and I’m telling my agent on the side, I’m like, ‘Damn, he’s really focused on the wrong s–t right now.'” he added.