Memphis Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks won’t be suspended by the NBA for hitting LeBron James in the groin during Game 3 of the Lakers-Grizzlies first-round playoff game, according to a report. The league reviewed the incident and determined no further disciplinary action would be forthcoming.
The former Oregon Ducks star was guarding James down the court and used his left hand to hit the Lakers’ forward in the groin early in the third quarter of Game 3 of the first-round playoff series Saturday night. James fell to the floor in pain.
Brooks was assessed a flagrant 2 foul and was ejected in a game in which the Lakers posted a 111-101 win to take a 2-1 lead in the series. Brooks declined to speak to media after the game.
Brooks, who finished the game with seven points on 3-of-13 shooting, along with two rebounds and one assist in 19 minutes, was fortunate to escape a suspension. The NBA suspended Golden State forward Draymond Green one game last week, saying his “history of unsportsmanlike acts” was a factor in the decision.
Brooks has a history as well.
He led the league with 18 technical fouls during the regular season. Brooks was suspended one game and fined $20,00 after hitting Cleveland Cavaliers’ guard Donovan Mitchell in the groin area in February. He was fined $35,000 by the league for shoving a cameraman to the floor during the second quarter of a game against the Miami Heat in March.