What began as a tense moment between LeBron James and Dillon Brooks evolved into the narrative of a tense game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns, with the two forwards engaging in a back-and-forth exchange throughout the game.

And while King James emerged with a win, while Brooks got ejected for incurring a second technical foul, former NBA guard Austin Rivers showered praise on the Suns forward for never letting his foot off the gas pedal, especially against a superstar of LeBron's caliber.

Dillon Brooks of the @Suns is one of three players in NBA history to put up at least 250 points, 30 made three-pointers and 20 steals in his first dozen games with a team. He joins Luka Doncic (Lakers) and Paul George (Thunder). pic.twitter.com/UyNJI5dMHL

"He wants these moments. He wants these environments. We've been seeing it all season from him," Booker said. "People always say everything's too friendly in the NBA, and then Dillon comes around and now it's too much… I'd rather it be the other way. I'd rather it be too much."

Dillon Brooks was ejected against the Los Angeles Lakers as it was ruled he made unsportsmanlike contact with LeBron James in celebration.

Suns fans showed their appreciation with a standing ovation towards Dillon Brooks after he was ejected from Sunday's game.