Jaylen Brown’s consistency has played a massive role in the Boston Celtics’ (externally) unexpected success this season. The 10th year forward is averaging 29.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game while shooting 48.1% from the field and 34.4% from long range.
His efforts aren’t going unnoticed.
Celtics fans woven throughout the Cypto.com Arena crowd Sunday belted out “MVP” chants for Brown during a fourth-quarter trip to the free-throw line.
MVP chants for Jaylen Brown in LA pic.twitter.com/qwT8tDJnZ9
— Sam LaFrance (@SamLaFranceNBA) February 23, 2026
They weren’t the only ones calling for JB to get some love in the race for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player Award.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, a four-time MVP winner, made his stance on Brown’s play extremely clear following Boston’s 111-89 win over L.A.
“This whole MVP thing, I don’t understand why his name is not getting talked about as well,” James told reporters in the Lakers’ locker room. “Like, nobody gave him a shot to start the season, and he’s averaging what, 30 (points per game)? It’s a popularity contest sometimes.”
Brown’s been confident in himself all season long. He’s consistently pointed to his efforts on both sides of the floor, believing that he’s the best two-way player in the league. He voiced that opinion again, after he was informed of James’ praises.
“I feel like I’m the best two way player in the world… it’s an honor for Lebron who’s arguably the best player to ever play the game to give me some high praise,” he told reporters postgame. “I’m just grateful. I wake up every morning grateful, humbled, in the position I’m able to be in and put my best foot forward every single day.”
By all accounts, he does just that.
“He's the kind of guy that's just he relishes and getting 1% better, and whatever that looks like,” Joe Mazzulla praised following the win. “He just cares about winning. I mean, at the end of the day, he wants to win. So he does a good job assessing he's smart. He knows the game, knows the league, knows what wins, knows what doesn't win.”
Jaylen Brown shares LeBron James All-Star anecdote
The work and attention to detail is paying off. Of course, Brown earned his fifth career All-Star selection this season. It was his first as a starter. People are noticing and appreciating the level he’s played at on a nightly basis.
Brown shared that James had taken him aside and told him that he had All-Star potential, after his first-ever start as a rookie. When the two suited up together a week ago at Inuit Dome for JB’s fifth and James’ 22nd All-Star game, they reminisced about their decade-old conversation.
“That was my first start in the NBA. I had a good game back in 2016. So we talked about that at the All-Star Game (this year) — ‘Remember that, 10 years ago?’ And he smiled and said, ‘Of course. I’m not surprised at anything you’re doing right now. So just keep proving people wrong, keep doing what you gotta do, and keep leading your team, and people will take notice.’”
Whether or not Brown wins an MVP this year won’t define this season for him. Regardless, he’ll have earned an All-NBA selection, barring catastrophe, and will have added to his legacy as a Celtic.