The Celtics cruised to victory over LeBron’s Lakers on Sunday.
LeBron James believes Jaylen Brown deserves greater consideration in the NBA MVP race.
Brown starred for the Celtics on Sunday as they defeated James and the Los Angeles Lakers 111-89 at Crypto.com Arena. He racked up 32 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals as the Celtics improved to 37-19 on the season.
The Celtics are second in the Eastern Conference, five and a half games behind the Detroit Pistons (42-13), with Brown playing a key role in their surprise ascension to contention for the title.
LeBron James backs Jaylen Brown’s MVP case
Brown is not considered a frontrunner to win the MVP, a situation that is puzzling to four-time winner James.
“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 [the Celtics] a shot to start the season. And he’s averaging what, 30? Just under 30? It’s a popularity contest sometimes, I tell you.”
Brown is excelling despite being without running mate Jayson Tatum, the six-time All-Star forward out for the season as he recovers from a torn Achilles.
He and Tatum helped propel the Celtics to the championship in 2024, but the roster has since changed greatly. Jrue Holiday, Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis are all no longer on the team.
Still, Brown is averaging career-highs in points (29.2), rebounds (7), and assists (4.9).
“I think he just used the motivation of a lot of people just saying that they’re going to have a down year,” James said.
“The whole championship team pretty much is kind of revamped, and he used it as motivation to keep them afloat. They’re playing great basketball, and it’s because of him and the rest of those guys. He’s taken that next step.”
Brown honoured by LeBron praise
Brown may not end the season as the MVP, but the 29-year-old is brimming with self-confidence, which will only grow with plaudits from an all-time great.
“I feel like I’m the best two-way player in the world,” Brown said.
“I play both ends on the court. Night to night, I’m available, which is hard to do. I’m a leader. I help lead my team, empower my team to come out and play confidently, stuff that doesn’t always show up on the analytics. And I’m a winner. I come out and try to win every single night. So I’m grateful.
“It’s an honour to play the Celtics-Lakers rivalry. It’s an honour for LeBron, who’s arguably the best player to ever play the game, giving me some high praise. So, I’m just grateful.”
Who is the favourite for NBA MVP?
Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the favourite to win the award again, with the defending champions the Oklahoma City Thunder (44-14) boasting the best record in the NBA and Gilgeous-Alexander averaging 31.8 points per game.
An abdominal injury has kept Gilgeous-Alexander out since February 3, potentially opening the door to other contenders.
Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic is the second-favourite and leads the NBA in rebounds (12.5) and assists (10.5) per game while averaging 28.8 points.
Pistons star Cade Cunningham and San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama are behind Jokic. Luka Doncic of the Lakers, who is averaging a league-high 32.8 points, is just ahead of Brown.
