LeBron James backs Celtics star’s MVP case

LeBron James believes Jaylen Brown deserves more attention in the NBA MVP competition.

Brown played for the Celtics on Sunday as they beat James and the Los Angeles Lakers 111-89 at Crypto.com Arena. He had 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 surprising rise to title contention.

LeBron James backs Jaylen Brown’s MVP case

Brown is not considered the favorite 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 isn’t being talked about for some, too, » James said.

« Like, nobody gave them (the Celtics) a chance to start the season. And he’s averaging what, 30? Just under 30? It’s a popularity contest sometimes, I tell you. »

Brown is doing great despite being without teammate Jayson Tatum, the six-time All-Star, out for the season as he recovers from a torn Achilles.

He and Tatum helped lead the Celtics to a championship in 2024, but the roster has changed significantly since then. Jrue Holiday, Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis are no longer with the team.

Still, Brown is averaging career highs in points (29.2), rebounds (7) and assists (4.9).

« I think he just tapped into the motivation of a lot of people who just said they were going to have a bad year, » James said.

« The whole championship team is pretty much rebuilt and he’s used that as motivation to keep them afloat. They’re playing great basketball and that’s because of him and the rest of the guys. He’s taken the next step. »

Brown awarded LeBron praise

Brown may not finish the season as MVP, but the 29-year-old is brimming with confidence that will only grow with the plaudits of all-time greatness.

« 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 night in and night out, which is hard to do. I’m a leader. I help lead my team, I empower my team to come out and play with confidence, things that don’t always show in the analytics. And I’m a winner. I go out and try to win every night. So I’m grateful.

« It’s an honor to play in the rivalry between the Celtics and the Lakers. It’s an honor for LeBron, who’s probably the best player to ever play the game, giving me high marks. So I’m just grateful. »

Who is the NBA MVP favorite?

The reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is favorite to win the award againwith the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder (44-14) boasting the best record in the NBA and Gilges-Alexander averaging 31.8 points per game.

An abdominal injury has sidelined Gilgeous-Alexander since Feb. 3, potentially opening the door to other contenders.

Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic is the second favorite 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. The Lakers’ Luka Doncic, who is averaging a league-high 32.8 points, is just ahead of Brown.