Lakers News: Tristan Thompson's Bench Reaction Game Is Next Level

There really is no better feeling in basketball than hitting a shot in front of the opposing team's bench and just looking at them to let them know that all of their tactics to distract you did not work. We've seen the likes of Stephen Curry and other great marksmen master this by even turning around before the shot actually goes in to make a huge statement.

However, Memphis Grizzlies small forward Dillon Brooks has not had many opportunities to do this. He's shot 22% or under from three-point land in three out of four playoff games against the Los Angeles Lakers this year and he's been a huge non-factor on offense for the Grizzlies thus far.

He also famously decided to "poke the bear" in attempt to get in LeBron James' head. Let's just say it hasn't quite worked in his favor.

According to NBA's matchup data, LeBron's stats when defended by Dillon Brooks through Game 4

40 points, 17-27 FG, 8 assists, 3 shooting fouls drawn
— Jacob Rude (@JacobRude) April 25, 2023

Some of his misses haven't even come close to the rim and the entire arena has been letting him hear it. Boo's rain down towards him whenever his name gets called and whenever the ball touches his hands.

LA's bench has not been letting him live either whenever he fails to connect on a deep one. Newest addition Tristan Thompson has led the charge and had a hilarious reaction to one of his airballs... see for yourself.

Tristan Thompson hit Dillon Brooks with the “P U” stink face taunt after his airball pic.twitter.com/Zkwvk2zIyO
— Jack Simone (@JackSimoneNBA) April 25, 2023

Nobody saw the news of the Purple and Gold bringing in Thompson and thought he would play a key role on the court in their playoff run. He has yet to receive minutes along with a couple of other teammates as LA has shortened their rotation.

But it's great to see the former champion big man contributing in a multitude of other ways. The playoffs is where every ounce of energy is necessary and especially in some ultra-close matches between the Grizzlies and Lakers, a hype man like Thompson goes a very long way.

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