In a dazzling display on Sunday, Jaylen Brown led the Boston Celtics to a commanding 111-89 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Brown's impressive stat line-32 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and four steals-was the driving force behind the Celtics' triumph, boosting their record to 37-19 while the Lakers dropped to 34-22.
LeBron James, a seasoned veteran and basketball icon, has been vocal in his praise for Brown this season. With Jayson Tatum sidelined due to an Achilles injury, Brown has stepped up, silencing doubters who predicted a downturn for Boston.
The Celtics have seen significant roster changes, with key players like Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis no longer in the lineup. Yet, Brown has embraced the challenge, keeping the team competitive and showcasing his leadership on the court.
“He's using the motivation of a lot of people saying they're going to have a down year,” James remarked. “They're playing great basketball because of him and the rest of those other guys. He's taking that next step.”
LeBron James on his relationship with Jaylen Brown:
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 23, 2026
“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.”
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(via @CelticsCLNS)
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Despite past tensions-specifically, Brown's critical comments about James' son, Bronny, during the Summer League-James maintains a respectful relationship with Brown. Reflecting on the incident, where Brown was caught on video expressing doubts about Bronny's professional prospects, James chuckled, acknowledging the remark but emphasizing their amicable rapport.
“It's all good. Bronny has a long way to go, but that's another story,” James added, showing a touch of humor about the situation.
Bronny James, meanwhile, has been under the spotlight, with mixed reviews from fans and critics alike. However, he has shown notable progress in his second season, which has not gone unnoticed by his father.
As for Brown, his stellar performances have sparked discussions about his MVP candidacy. LeBron James himself noted that Brown deserves more recognition for his contributions to the Celtics' success. With Brown at the helm, Boston continues to defy expectations, and fans are eager to see how far his leadership can take them this season.