The simmering feud between LeBron James and Dillon Brooks took a fiery turn Monday night at Toyota Center, injecting fresh drama into the NBA landscape. Brooks, Houston's guard, reignited the rivalry by inadvertently catching James with a slap to the face during their on-court battle.

The incident stemmed from a heated exchange earlier in the game, where Brooks and Lakers enforcer Jarred Vanderbilt tangled, resulting in Vanderbilt's ejection after picking up two technical fouls. Anthony Davis, James' teammate, expressed strong disapproval of Brooks' actions, stating that he deserved an ejection "at least after hitting LeBron."

The Ongoing Saga of LeBron James and  Dillon Brooks

This latest chapter in the  James vs. Brooks saga adds another layer to their already tense relationship. Last season, while playing for the Memphis Grizzlies, Brooks famously needled James by calling him "old," triggering a verbal spat that spilled over onto social media. James, known for his composure, has largely ignored Brooks' provocations, choosing not to fuel the fire.

However, Monday night's incident forced James to acknowledge the situation. When asked about Brooks' slap and the lack of an ejection, James simply replied, "Next question," opting to keep his focus on the game. Despite the on-court tension, both players remained in the game, with LeBron James finishing with 32 points and 15 rebounds, while Dillon Brooks contributed 20 points and 6 assists.

The NBA, no stranger to player rivalries, is bound to keep a close eye on this developing situation. LeBron James, a veteran leader known for his competitive spirit, and Dillon Brooks, a rising star known for his defensive intensity, are guaranteed to keep each other on their toes, adding an extra layer of intrigue to future matchups.

Whether this latest incident escalates into a full-blown rivalry or fades into the background remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain this chapter is far from over, and NBA fans can expect more drama and intensity whenever these two players face off on the court.

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img via: USA TODAY Sports