Lakers’ LeBron James supports Celtics’ Jaylen Brown for MVP consideration.
LOS ANGELES — Following the Celtics’ victory over the Lakers 111-89 on Sunday, highlighted by Jaylen Brown’s impressive performance of 32 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals, he received an MVP endorsement from a notable figure in the Boston-L.A. rivalry.
Four-time MVP LeBron James expressed his belief that Brown has a legitimate case for his first MVP award this season.
“I don’t understand why his name isn’t being mentioned more in the MVP discussions,” James stated. “At the beginning of the season, nobody expected much from them. And he’s averaging what, around 30? Just shy of 30? Sometimes it feels like a popularity contest, I tell you.”
The victory against the Lakers improved Boston’s record to 37-19, marking the second-best record in the Eastern Conference.
Brown entered Sunday with career-high averages in points (29.2), rebounds (7.0), and assists (4.8).
James noted that Brown merits consideration for his contributions to the Celtics’ competitiveness, especially with Jayson Tatum sidelined for the entire season due to a torn Achilles and the team losing Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis from their 2024 championship roster.
“He has used the skepticism from many who thought they would have a down year as motivation,” James remarked. “The entire championship team has been largely restructured, and he has used that as fuel to keep them competitive. They are playing exceptional basketball, and it’s largely due to him and his teammates. He has taken his game to the next level.”
Brown mentioned that he tries to remain unaffected by both criticism and praise but outlined his qualifications for the MVP award as he perceives them.
“I believe I am the best two-way player in the world,” Brown stated. “I contribute on both ends of the court. I am consistently available, which is challenging. I take on a leadership role, empowering my team to play with confidence, aspects that may not always be reflected in the statistics. And I am a winner. I strive to win every night. So, I am thankful.”
“Competing in the Celtics-Lakers rivalry is a privilege. It is an honor to receive high praise from LeBron, who is arguably the greatest player to ever play the game. I am just grateful.”
James and Brown were teammates on the USA Stripes team during the All-Star festivities earlier this month.
Brown noted that this experience allowed him and James to reconnect regarding a conversation they had when Brown was a rookie.
“In my first game as a starter against the Cleveland Cavaliers, he approached me afterward and whispered in my ear, ‘You’re going to be an All-Star one day, you’re going to be a great player,'” Brown recalled. “We reminisced about that at the All-Star Game. ‘Do you remember that from 10 years ago?’ And he smiled, saying, ‘Of course, I’m not surprised by anything you’re doing now. Just keep proving people wrong, keep doing what you need to do, and keep leading your team, and people will take notice.’
Brown indicated that there were additional topics discussed with James, but he chose not to disclose them.
He may have been alluding to a moment captured on camera during a 2024 Las Vegas Summer League game, where he was seen questioning Bronny James’ professional credentials while sitting courtside.
“Our relationship has been quite respectful, aside from the comments he made about Bronny at Summer League,” James remarked regarding Brown. “But other than that, we’ve been good.”
Brown later shared his views on Bronny via social media, stating: “It’s a flex to have your son alongside you in the NBA. … Bronny has all the tools he needs to succeed. I look forward to witnessing his development.”
James affirmed that he and Brown “will be fine.”
“I think he addressed it on social media,” James said. “It’s all good, but Bronny has a long journey ahead of him, but that’s a different topic. But the kid, I mean, listen, JB is doing [great]. Man, he’s playing outstanding basketball.”
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne contributed to this report.
