Lakers' LeBron James endorses Celtics' Jaylen Brown for MVP - ESPN

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.A. rivalry.

Four-time MVP LeBron James said 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 said. «Like, nobody gave them a shot to start the season. And he's averaging what, 30? Just under 30? 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.

Brown came into Sunday averaging career highs in points (29.2), rebounds (7.0) and assists (4.8).

James said Brown deserves consideration due to 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 said. «The whole championship team pretty much is kind of revamped, 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 those guys. He's taken that next step.»

Brown said he tries not to pay too much attention to criticism or praise that comes his way, but he laid out his credentials for the award as he sees them.

«I feel like I'm the best two-way player in the world,» Brown said. «I play both ends on the court. Night to night, I'm available, which is hard to do. I'm a leader. I help lead my team, empower my team to