LeBron James has chosen to be an obstacle for the Boston Celtics again. In fact, now more than ever, because this time, by joining the Philadelphia 76ers, he's a division rival. That also means he's teaming up with Jaylen Brown, which sounds exciting and all for them, but it means he's relegated to the lesser role he didn't want in Boston.
Upon LeBron's announcement that he's going to Philadelphia, CBS Sports' Shehan Jayarajuh brought up how Brown's issues with being the second-in-command with the Celtics are ironic, as he'll likely be even lower in the Sixers' pecking order.
Shoutout to Jaylen Brown. He complained so much about being a second option that he became a fourth option instead ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜
— Shehan Jeyarajah (@ShehanJeyarajah) July 24, 2026
The term complaining is a bit of a stretch here, but it was very telling when Brown called what would be his final season in Boston his favorite when he was calling the shots knowing that two years ago, the Celtics won a title and had been on much more fruitful playoff runs with him and Tatum.
Jaylen Brown's Celtics ghost just followed him to the 76ers via LeBron James
But now he's relegated to the smallest role he's had since... 2021? That was Kemba Walker's second season in Boston, back when the Celtics believed he could still regain his old form, which put Brown as the No. 3. until it was clear Walker's prime was gone.
Brown had the Celtics' No. 2 since then, but now he's the Sixers' No. 4 presumably behind James, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid. Not to mention VJ Edgecombe is on the rise with them as well, which should put into question if Brown will be the No. 4 for long.
It doesn't sound like he's too broken up about it though
It didn't take Brown too long to give his opinion on teaming up with James on the Sixers though. In fact, it sounds like he's very much ready for what's to come next season.
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 24, 2026
So the same Jaylen Brown who wanted to be the alpha on a playoff team is happy to be more of a complementary player on the Sixers now. Sure. That leaves one question: regardless of what happened this offseason, was Brown simply just done with Boston period?
Evidently, the Celtics thought it was time for a change, but maybe the feeling was mutual between the two sides. Who knows? Regardless, Brown is now playing for the enemy (because the Celtics chose that for him) and has now joined forces with one of their enemies because of it.
Brown has more often than not accepted whatever role he's been given. However, accepting a role is not the same thing as wanting it, and in Brown's case, this was not what he wanted.
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