LeBron James backs Jaylen Brown for MVP after Celtics rout Lakers
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LOS ANGELES — Moments after the Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 111–89 on Sunday, Lakers forward LeBron James publicly threw his support behind Jaylen Brown’s candidacy for the 2025-26 Most Valuable Player award.
“This whole MVP thing, I don’t understand why his name isn’t being mentioned,” the four-time MVP said in his postgame news conference. “Nobody gave them a shot to start the season, and he’s averaging just under 30. It’s a popularity contest sometimes.”
Brown fueled Boston’s victory with 32 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals, pushing the Celtics to 37-19, second in the Eastern Conference. Entering the game, the ninth-year guard was posting career highs of 29.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists.
James pointed to Boston’s performance despite significant absences. Jayson Tatum has missed the entire season while recovering from a torn Achilles, and the club lost Jrue Holiday, Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis from last year’s championship roster.
“He used the motivation of people saying they’d have a down year,” James added. “They’re playing great basketball because of him and the rest of those guys. He’s taken that next step.”
Brown welcomed the praise but focused on his own résumé. “I feel like I’m the best two-way player in the world,” he said. “Night to night, I’m available. I’m a leader. I empower my team to play confidently—stuff that doesn’t always show up in analytics. And I’m a winner.”
The two stars recently shared the court as teammates during the All-Star Game’s USA Stripes squad, rekindling a connection that began in Brown’s rookie year. According to Brown, James told him after his first NBA start that he would become an All-Star. “We talked about that at the All-Star Game,” Brown said. “He smiled and said, ‘I’m not surprised by anything you’re doing.’”
James acknowledged a brief strain in their relationship when Brown questioned Bronny James’ professional prospects at the 2024 Las Vegas Summer League but said the matter is behind them. “Our relationship has been pretty respectful, besides the stuff he said about Bronny,” James remarked. “But JB is playing great basketball.”
Source: ESPN
