LeBron James backs Jaylen Brown for MVP after Celtics-Lakers
LeBron James makes a case for Jaylen Brown in the MVP race. The King believes the Celtics forward deserves more consideration after his 32-point performance against the Lakers and his exceptional season.
Feb 22, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) plays for the rebound against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : © Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
After the Boston Celtics‘ dominant victory over the Los Angeles Lakers (111-89), LeBron James surprised many by publicly backing Jaylen Brown in the MVP race. The Celtics forward delivered a remarkable performance with 32 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals, confirming his status as Boston’s undisputed leader.
The King’s strong advocacy for Brown
« This MVP conversation, I don’t understand why his name isn’t mentioned as well, » LeBron James declared after the game. « Nobody gave them a chance at the start of the season. And he’s averaging what, 30 points per game? Just below? It’s sometimes a popularity contest, I’m telling you. »
The four-time MVP particularly praised Brown’s ability to keep the Celtics at the highest level despite difficulties. « I think he used the motivation from all those people saying they were going to have a bad season, » James explained. « The championship team was practically rebuilt and he used that as motivation to keep them afloat. They’re playing excellent basketball, and it’s thanks to him and the others. He’s taken it to another level. »
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
With a record of 37 wins and 19 losses, Boston holds second place in the Eastern Conference, an unexpected result given Jayson Tatum‘s season-long absence (Achilles tendon injury) and the departures of Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis.
Brown claims his status as « best two-way player »
For his part, Jaylen Brown doesn’t hesitate to assert his trophy credentials. « I think I’m the best two-way player in the world, » he stated. « I play on both sides of the court. I’m available every night, which is hard to do. I’m a leader. I help guide my team, help them approach every game with confidence, which doesn’t always show up in the stats. And I’m a winner. »
The Celtics forward is posting career averages of 29.2 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists this season, ranking him fourth among the NBA’s top scorers. Statistics that, combined with Boston’s collective success, effectively strengthen his MVP case.
The exchange between the two players also helped ease tensions from Summer League 2024, when Brown questioned Bronny James‘ level. « Our relationship has been respectful, aside from that crap he said about Bronny in Summer League, » LeBron acknowledged with a smile. « But other than that, we’re good. » An episode now behind them, allowing mutual respect to prevail.
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With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
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