The Art of Agitating: Can Dillon Brooks Match LeBron James?

Fans and analysts are watching closely the playoff series between the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies and seventh-seeded Los Angeles Lakers with great anticipation, particularly whether LeBron James will prove too much defensive talent for Memphis to match.

Dillon Brooks of the Memphis Grizzlies made it clear he wants to face off against LeBron in a seven-game series and isn't scared of taking up this challenge.

1. Dillon Brooks

Dillon Brooks of the Memphis Grizzlies has found himself embroiled in controversy on and off the court this season, clashing with several players such as Warriors forward Draymond Green and Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell. Additionally, he received a one-game suspension due to technical foul accumulation earlier in 2018.

Brooks recently caused controversy when he made it clear he wouldn't mind facing off against Lakers forward LeBron James in a seven-game series, according to ESPN reports.

As an Oregon Duck who has displayed formidable physical skills throughout his career, it comes as no surprise that former Oregon Duck is confident of taking on someone like LeBron James.

While he may not be the most renowned NBA star, he does have no trouble imparting wisdom to media members and making himself known in Memphis.

In the playoffs, LeBron will need to step up big against an incredible Cleveland team that has enjoyed incredible success this year. Not only must he score, but also must prevent LeBron from having the kind of production seen during regular season play.

2. JaMychal Green

Memphis Grizzlies will face LeBron James in the first round of NBA playoffs. While many believe Los Angeles Lakers would pose more of a threat than Memphis Grizzlies, Memphis forward Dillon Brooks has indicated his interest in facing him over seven games.

Brooks has faced off against James 11 times during the regular season; each encounter took place within his career. In their only meeting this season, he held James to only 8-for-21 shooting.

Brooks may not boast an outstanding record, but it shows his ability to keep pace with James. Plus, his size and strength advantage allow him to match him effectively.

If the Grizzlies can keep LeBron from fouling out, they'll have an advantage against him and the Lakers. But if Los Angeles can put James in foul trouble early or on the bench, that could become a significant challenge for Memphis. Therefore, Jaren Jackson Jr must remain on the floor at least 35 minutes a game while limiting early fouls. It may not be easy but doing this will only strengthen them further against LaLaLand in this first-round series.

3. Tyreke Evans

Tyreke Evans is one of the world's most esteemed basketball players, receiving numerous honors including Rookie of the Year awards. However, his career hasn't always gone according to plan.

As a teenager, he utilized his size and strength to dominate the half court. He developed into an outstanding ball handler capable of driving effortlessly to the basket while creating easy shots for teammates.

This season, he has been an essential player for the Sacramento Kings. Averaging 20 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game on 45 percent shooting from the field, his average performance has made an impactful statement about their strength in attack mode.

Defense has also been strong. He ranks 20th in the NBA with 1.55 steals per game.

His ability to get into the lane and defend against numerous perimeter defenders is remarkable; this will be a huge asset in guarding James in this matchup.

Tyreke remains connected to his family and roots despite his success in the NBA. He frequently visits his native town to conduct basketball camps for children - something which helps keep him physically and mentally healthy. This practice helps Tyreke stay motivated.

4. DeMarcus Cousins

This summer, the Los Angeles Lakers made headlines when they announced they had signed LeBron James and DeMarcus Cousins as free-agent centers. This unexpected decision stunned everyone.

The Lakers have been reported as being interested in adding another star, possibly Anthony Davis. Whether or not they can complete such a trade is yet unknown.

James has made it his mission this season to get his teammates working at peak efficiency. While on an appearance of Jalen Rose and David Jacoby podcast, James revealed his plans of stirring his teammates up, creating more urgency amongst them and pushing for their success more hard than before.

As soon as you feel yourself becoming distressed, your body releases adrenaline which causes feelings of excitement, fear and nervousness. This could be caused by pain, stress or fever; or it could even be the sign of delirium - a medical condition which could be life-threatening.

5. JaVale McGee

McGee may have been subjected to criticism and misinterpreted by many during his time with the Golden State Warriors, yet his career wasn't over yet. He showed his worth during both championship runs with them, giving him plenty of experience that can benefit younger Lakers who may still be unfamiliar with how playoff basketball works.

His size allows him to get the ball inside or on the perimeter, with an excellent feel for the game and energy off of the bench that creates lots of buzz in a crowd. The Lakers love his presence off of their bench; his athletic plays bring plenty of entertainment for their fans.

He's an effective shot blocker, but he must work on his mid-range shooting and become a more consistent defensive player overall. Additionally, he tends to commit fouls frequently and has an awkward frame which could benefit from an increase in bulkiness for greater mobility.

6. Kristaps Porzingis

Born and raised in Latvia, Porzingis began his professional basketball career with Sevilla in 2012. Quickly moving through their youth program to becoming one of the key players on their senior squad by 2013, Porzingis quickly established himself on Sevilla's senior squad as one of their key players by 2013.

Although Porzingis missed most of last season due to an ankle injury, he is showing promising signs of return. On Saturday night against the Lakers he led his Wizards team to an unlikely comeback victory by scoring 16 of his 27 points during a remarkable fourth quarter comeback victory.

Washington's big man also scored his first triple of the game with 40 seconds remaining to help Washington overcome a 16-point deficit and defeat Los Angeles Lakers 127-119.

Porzingis also had an impressive defensive night, recording five steals for a career-best effort and blocking two shots while pulling down seven rebounds for his performance.

Early in the game, Luka Doncic made his presence felt, showing excellent vision and touch in the lane. One particularly eye-catching play from him featured an alley-oop with high-profile teammate Luka Doncic that caught many fans' eyes - it showed how two players can collaborate effectively to assist one another on court.

7. JaMychal Green

Green, an aggressive power forward with an old-school approach and aggressive style, would make an excellent fit on a Warriors team looking for young talent such as Jonathan Kuminga and James Wiseman to transition into larger roles. Even at his advanced age of 35 years old, Green should still be able to contribute on minimum salary basis thanks to being an outstanding veteran defender and three point shooter who can contribute on both ends.

Though James outscored Green in terms of points scored, their games are very similar in other regards. Green, who was undrafted out of Alabama before turning pro, excels as a defender combining physicality on the court with strong defensive awareness to play with his head down and head up at times.

LeBron is also an efficient three-point shooter, his field goal percentage (FG%) and two point field goal percentage (2pt%) matching or outpacing that of Lakers point guard Lorenzo LaVine. Furthermore, he possesses quickness that will enable him to match and chase smaller guards on the court; something necessary if he wants to become successful with Lakers in future seasons.

Re-signing with Denver for Green to flourish within its selfless culture should be seen as a positive move by Nuggets owner Stephen A. Schwarzman and will serve them well on defense - something they are desperately lacking at present.