LeBron James praises Celtics star Jaylen Brown for MVP-caliber season

Brown led the Celtics to a win over James and the Lakers, prompting high praise from the Lakers legend.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 6:33am

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Celtics star Jaylen Brown had a standout performance against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, leading Boston to a 111-89 victory. Brown nearly recorded a triple-double with 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. James praised Brown's case for NBA MVP consideration, noting his impressive stats and the Celtics' success despite low preseason expectations.

Why it matters

Jaylen Brown has emerged as a superstar for the Celtics since the injury to Jayson Tatum. His strong play this season has put him in the MVP conversation, which is typically dominated by more established superstars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic. Brown's recognition from LeBron James, one of the greatest players of all time, further validates his elite status in the league.

The details

Brown has been the Celtics' primary option since Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury last May. He is averaging 29.2 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game this season, putting him fourth in the NBA in scoring. Despite the Celtics' low preseason expectations, Brown has led them to a strong start and into the MVP conversation, which has largely focused on Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic in recent years.

  • Jaylen Brown led the Celtics to a 111-89 victory over the Lakers on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
  • Jayson Tatum tore his right Achilles tendon during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on May 12, 2025.

The players

Jaylen Brown

A star player for the Boston Celtics who has emerged as an MVP candidate this season, averaging 29.2 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.

LeBron James

A legendary NBA player who currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers. James praised Brown's MVP-caliber season and performance against the Lakers.

Jayson Tatum

A star player for the Boston Celtics who suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the 2025 playoffs, leading to Jaylen Brown taking on a larger role.

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What they’re saying

“This whole MVP thing, I don't understand why his name is not getting talked about as well. Like, nobody gave them a shot to start the season. And he's averaging what, 30? Just under 30? It's a popularity contest sometimes, I tell you.”

— LeBron James

“It's an honor to play the Celtics-Lakers rivalry. It's an honor for LeBron, who's arguably the best player to ever play the game, to give me some high praise. So, I'm just grateful.”

— Jaylen Brown

The takeaway

Jaylen Brown's emergence as an MVP candidate this season has been a surprise, given the Celtics' low preseason expectations. His strong play and recognition from LeBron James suggest he is firmly in the conversation for the league's top individual honor, challenging the dominance of more established superstars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic.