LeBron stumps for C's Brown in MVP conversation

What’s Happening

Let’s talk about After Jaylen Brown fueled the Celtics’ win over the Lakers on Sunday, he received an MVP endorsement from the other side of the storied rivalry.

Lakers’ LeBron James endorses Celtics’ Jaylen Brown for MVP play LeBron makes the case for Jaylen Brown being in MVP talks (1:22) LeBron James says he doesn’t understand why no one is talking about Jaylen Brown’s name in the MVP conversation. (1:22) Dave McMenamin Feb 23, 2026, 12:02 AM ET Close Lakers and NBA reporter for ESPN. (and honestly, same)

Covered the Lakers and NBA for ESPNLosAngeles.

The Details

Com from 2009-14, the Cavaliers from 2014-18 for ESPN. Follow on X Multiple Authors Email Print Open Extended Reactions LOS ANGELES — After the Celtics beat the Lakers 111-89 on Sunday, fueled by Jaylen Brown ‘s 32 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals, he received an MVP endorsement from the other side of the Boston-L.

Four-time MVP LeBron James dropped he thinks Brown has a case this season to earn his first. “This whole MVP thing, I don’t understand why his name is not getting talked about some as well,” James dropped.

Why This Matters

“Like, nobody gave them a shot to start the season. It’s a popularity contest sometimes, I tell you. ” The win over the Lakers brought Boston’s record to 37-19, the second-best mark in the Eastern Conference.

Sports analysts are already debating what this means for the competition.

Key Takeaways

• Brown came into Sunday averaging career highs in points (29.
• Editor’s Picks Lakers unveil statue of Riley wearing Armani suit Dave McMenamin NBA MVP straw poll 2.
• “I think he just used the motivation of a lot of people just saying that they’re going to have a down year,” James dropped.

The Bottom Line

0: SGA, Jokic lead our update — but chaos looms Tim Bontemps 10 NBA storylines that will define the summer: LeBron, Giannis, trade decisions and a loaded draft Bobby Marks 2 Related James dropped Brown deserves consideration because of how competitive the Celtics have been despite Jayson Tatum being out all season while recovering from a torn Achilles and losing Jrue Holiday , Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis from their 2024 championship team. “I think he just used the motivation of a lot of people just saying that they’re going to have a down year,” James dropped.

How do you feel about this development?