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dave mcmenamin
multiple authors
Los Angeles – after celtics Green lakers 111-89 On Sunday, fueled by jaylen brownHe received MVP support from the other side of the Boston-LA rivalry, averaging 32 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals.
four time mvp Lebron James He said he thinks Brown has a chance to earn his first start this season.
“With this whole MVP thing, I don’t understand why there isn’t some discussion about his name,” James said. “Like, nobody gave him a chance to start the season. And what’s his average, 30? Just under 30? It’s a popularity contest sometimes, I’ll tell you.”
The win over the Lakers improved Boston’s record to 37–19, the second-best mark in the Eastern Conference.
Brown came into Sunday averaging career-highs in points (29.2), rebounds (7.0) and assists (4.8).
James says Brown deserves consideration despite how competitive the Celtics are jayson tatum Missing the entire season while recovering from a torn Achilles and losing junior holiday, al horford And kristaps porzingis From their 2024 championship team.
“I think he tapped into the motivation of a lot of people who thought they were going to have a bad year,” James said. “The entire championship team has been revamped significantly, 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 the guys. They’ve taken the next step.”
Brown said he tries not to pay too much attention to the criticism or praise he receives, but presents his merits for the award as he sees it.
“I feel like I’m the best two-way player in the world,” Brown said. “I play both ends of the court. I’m available all night long, which is hard to do. I’m a leader. I help lead my team, empower my team to come out and play with confidence, things that don’t always show up on analytics. And I’m a winner. I come out and try to win every night. So I’m grateful.”
“It’s an honor to play in the Celtics-Lakers rivalry. It’s an honor to have LeBron, who is arguably the best player to ever play the game, give me a lot of admiration. So, I’m just grateful.”
James and Brown were All-Star teammates on the USA Stripes team earlier this month.
Brown said it gave him and James a chance to reconnect about a conversation they shared when Brown was a rookie.
“When I first came into the league, my first start was against cleveland cavaliersAnd after the game he came up to me and whispered in my ear, ‘You’re going to be an All-Star one day, you’re going to be a great player,'” Brown said. “So, we talked about it at the All-Star Game. ‘You remember that thing from 10 years ago?’ And he smiles and says, ‘Of course, I’m not surprised by what you’re doing right now. So just keep proving people wrong. Keep doing what you have to do and keep leading your team and people will notice.”
Brown said he and James talked about a lot more, but he wouldn’t share it.
He may have been referring to how he was caught on camera being interrogated at a 2024 Las Vegas Summer League game bronnie james‘ Credentials as a professional when sitting in court.
“We’ve had a very respectful relationship,” James said of Brown in Summer League. “But other than that, we’re absolutely fine.”
Brown later shared his thoughts about Bronny on social media, saying, “Having your son in the NBA with you is a great accomplishment. …Bronny has all the tools to be successful. I look forward to watching his development.”
James said he and Brown “will be fine.”
“I think he went on social media and said something about it,” James said. “It’s all good, but Bronny still has a long way to go, but that’s another story. But baby, I mean, listen, JB is [great]. S—, he’s playing great basketball, man.”
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne contributed to this report.
