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Dave McMenamin
Multiple Authors
LOS ANGELES — Following the Celtics’ 111-89 victory over the Lakers on Sunday, propelled by Jaylen Brown’s impressive 32 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and three steals, he received an MVP nod from the opposing side of the Boston-L.A. rivalry.
Four-time MVP LeBron James expressed his belief that Brown has a legitimate chance this season to clinch his first MVP award.
“I really don’t get why his name isn’t being mentioned more in the MVP conversation,” James stated. “Nobody expected them to compete well initially, and he’s averaging nearly 30 points a game. Sometimes, it feels like a popularity contest.”
With this win over the Lakers, Boston improved its record to 37-19, making it the second-best in the Eastern Conference.
Brown entered Sunday with career highs in points (29.2), rebounds (7.0), and assists (4.8).
James emphasized that Brown deserves MVP consideration given how competitive the Celtics have remained, even without Jayson Tatum for the entire season due to a torn Achilles, as well as the absences of Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis from their 2024 championship roster.
“He used all the skepticism about their season as motivation,” James noted. “The entire championship lineup has changed, and he has stepped up to keep them performing well. They’re playing exceptional basketball, and it’s largely thanks to him and his teammates. He’s taken his game to a new level.”
Brown shared that he tries not to focus too much on the noise—both critique and praise—he receives but articulated his qualifications for the award.
“I believe I’m the best two-way player in the world,” Brown asserted. “I contribute on both ends of the court and consistently show up. I’m a leader who empowers my team to play boldly, with contributions that may not always be reflected in stats. in the end, I aim to win every night, and I’m thankful for that.”
“Participating in the Celtics-Lakers rivalry is an honor, and receiving high praise from LeBron, regarded as one of the greatest ever, is humbling. So, I’m appreciative.”
James and Brown teamed up as All-Stars on the USA Stripes team earlier this month.
Brown noted that this opportunity allowed them to reminisce about a moment from when he was a rookie.
“During my first start against the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron came up to me postgame and whispered, ‘You’re going to be an All-Star one day; you’re going to be a great player,'” Brown recalled. “At the All-Star Game, we revisited that memory, and he said, ‘I’m not surprised by what you’re achieving. Keep proving the doubters wrong, keep leading your team, and people will take notice.’
Brown mentioned additional topics discussed with James but chose to keep those private.
He might have alluded to a moment caught on camera during a 2024 Las Vegas Summer League game where he questioned Bronny James’ prospects as a professional while sitting courtside.
“Our relationship is respectful, aside from the comments he made about Bronny during Summer League,” James joked about Brown. “Other than that, we’re good.”
Later, Brown addressed his views on Bronny, posting on social media: “To have your son in the NBA is a flex. … Bronny has all the resources to excel, and I look forward to witnessing his development.”
James remained optimistic about his relationship with Brown, stating, “I think he addressed it on social media. It’s all good, but Bronny still has a long way to go. But JB is doing well. He’s playing fantastic basketball.”
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne contributed to this report.
