On Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena, the Boston Celtics secured a decisive 111-89 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Jaylen Brown’s impressive performance that included 32 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals. Brown’s dominant play, alongside Payton Pritchard’s 30 points off the bench, highlighted Boston’s intent to compete fiercely this season. Following the game, LeBron James was asked about Brown’s MVP candidacy, leading to a candid and unexpectedly blunt exchange.
LeBron James openly praised Brown’s play and acknowledged the motivation Brown drew from early doubters of the Celtics. When questioned about their personal relationship, James remarked,
Our relationship has been pretty respectful,
James said.
Besides the s**t he said about Bronny at Summer League. But other than that, we’ve been all right.
LeBron was referring to a viral incident from the 2024 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, where Brown expressed skepticism about Bronny James’s potential to turn professional during a courtside conversation with WNBA players Angel Reese and Kysre Gondrezick. Despite that moment, LeBron expressed optimism about moving forward, stating, “We’ll be all right,” and adding,
I think he went on social media and said something about it. It’s all good. Bronny’s got a long way to go, but that’s another story.
At the time, Brown had responded publicly on social media, emphasizing Bronny’s strong support system. LeBron’s acknowledgment of this back-and-forth highlights a nuanced dynamic between the two NBA stars.
LeBron James Endorses Jaylen Brown as a Genuine MVP Candidate
Although the viral Summer League remark drew significant attention, LeBron’s main focus was Brown’s outstanding 2023-24 season. He voiced surprise that Brown’s MVP candidacy isn’t receiving more attention, emphasizing the challenge of recognition in what he described as a “popularity contest.”
This whole MVP thing, I don’t understand why his name is not getting talked about some as well,
James said.
Like, nobody gave them a shot to start the season. And he’s averaging what, 30? Just under 30? It’s a popularity contest sometimes, I tell you.
James’s perspective was supported by Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who expressed no shock at Boston’s success this season while praising Brown’s well-rounded game, asserting,
There’s just no holes in his game,
Redick said of Brown.
Brown responded to LeBron’s compliments with confidence, stating,
I feel like I’m the best two way player in the world… it’s an honor for Lebron who’s arguably the best player to ever play the game to give me some high praise,
Brown said.
Statistically, Brown’s season is among his best: averaging 29.2 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game — all career highs in his tenth year with the Celtics. His consistency includes multiple 30-point outings, underscoring his case for MVP consideration.
A Relationship Built Over a Decade of Mutual Respect
The connection between James and Brown spans many years. Brown recalled a moment during an All-Star Weekend when LeBron quietly predicted Brown would become an All-Star, a remark that stuck with him over time.
We talked about it at the All-Star game,
Brown said.
You remember that ten years ago? And he smiled, of course, I’m not surprised at anything you doing right now. Just keep proving people wrong.
This exchange highlights the evolving relationship between the two athletes, from LeBron observing Brown’s early potential to Brown embracing the encouragement and proving his doubters wrong. On Sunday, LeBron’s public recognition of Brown’s growth emphasized Brown’s transformation from a promising teenager to one of the NBA’s top performers.
Jaylen Brown’s Rising Star Reflects Celtics’ Strong Momentum
Jaylen Brown’s self-belief as an elite two-way player is becoming harder to dismiss as his season performances intensify. He has not only fulfilled his prediction of becoming an All-Star but is also establishing himself as a frontrunner for MVP honors. LeBron James’s candid acknowledgment of Brown’s achievements after a tough defeat signals a shift in narrative, recognizing the Celtics’ impressive rise.
As Boston continues to build on this momentum, Brown’s growing stature fuels the team’s ambition and challenges the league’s best teams to reckon with his impact on both ends of the court. The road ahead promises intense competition and further recognition of Brown’s candidacy for the league’s most prestigious individual award.
LeBron James told @RealBobManning he and Jaylen Brown have had a respectful relationship: “Besides the s*** he said about Bronny.” 😂@CLNSMedia pic.twitter.com/ZY3UeugRy2
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) February 23, 2026
LeBron on his relationship with Jaylen Brown:
“Our relationship has been pretty respectful. Besides the sh*t he said about Bronny in Summer League. But other than that we’ve been all right.”
(via @CelticsCLNS, h/t @ClutchPoints)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 23, 2026
Lakers head coach JJ Redick on Jaylen Brown while discussing why he isn’t surprised about the Celtics defying external expectations this season:
“There’s just no holes in his game.” pic.twitter.com/2HC1mOx7bk
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) February 22, 2026
Jaylen Brown on Lebron James making a case for him for MVP:
“I feel like I’m the best two way player in the world… it’s an honor for Lebron who’s arguably the best player to ever play the game to give me some high praise.”
–@CLNSMedia pic.twitter.com/ic3J8N1BIU— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) February 23, 2026
Jaylen Brown vs Lakers:
32 PTS
8 REB
7 AST
3 STLTop four in 30-point games this season. pic.twitter.com/33hLdsEaj8
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 23, 2026
Jaylen Brown said Lebron James told him he’s going to be an All-Star after his first career start and that they talked about that moment at this year’s All-Star game:
“We talked about it at the All-Star game. You remember that ten years ago? And he smiled, of course, I’m not… pic.twitter.com/Ba6Xnj00AN
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) February 23, 2026
