For LeBron James, Jaylen Brown is a credible MVP

With 32 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists in a win against the Lakers, Jaylen Brown returned the thick copy again. First of all, the Celtics have the second record in the Eastern Conference and fourth in the league. Which, before the start of the season, was clearly not written in the stars, nor was it expected.

Enough to surprise and also garner compliments from opponents. LeBron James thus made several complimentary comments about the Celtics leader, while first reminding that he did not forget a certain moment in 2024.

“Our relationship was respectful, except for the stupid crap he said about Brony in Summer League. But other than that, everything is fine.” remembers the Lakers player, regarding Jaylen Brown’s pictures, taken at the edge of the floor who said that LeBron’s son was not NBA-level. “He came back to it on social media, but that’s another story. Brown is great and plays very good basketball.

To the point, for the four-time MVP of the regular season, to be a credible candidate for the most prestigious individual trophy in the league. Like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic or even Cade Cunningham, who also thinks he has a profile.

“For the MVP, I don’t understand why his name isn’t mentioned. Nobody bet on them at the beginning of the season and what’s the outcome? 30 points or less? I say, it’s a popularity contest.”says LeBron James. “As everyone said he was going to have a bad season, he used that as motivation. The team that won the title was rebuilt and that’s why he’s motivated to keep them. They’re playing well and it’s thanks to him and the others. He’s reached a turning point.”

“When I came into the league, my first start was against the Cavaliers, and after the game he told me I was going to be an All-Star one day.”

The 2024 Finals MVP is recently confirmed this analysis. Since the beginning of the season, he averaged 29.2 points (48% shooting success), 7 rebounds and 4.9 assists. That’s by far the best performance of his career and MVP-worthy numbers while carrying a Boston team diminished by the absence of Jayson Tatum and the departures of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.

“I’m the best two-way player in the world”repeats the 2024 NBA champion, who has already said it at the beginning of January. “I play on both ends of the court. I’m there every night, and it’s hard. I’m a leader. I help my team. I push my team, I give them confidence, which is not always visible in numbers. I’m a winner. »

If he doesn’t need others to send him flowers or at least validate his qualities, Jaylen Brown is clearly enjoying the compliments LeBron James has paid him, “arguably the best player of all time”, he judges. “I’m thankful for that. When I came into the league, I started first against the Cavaliers and after the game he told me that one day I’m going to be an All-Star, that I’m going to be a great player. We talked during the All-Star game about this moment 10 years ago. He laughed and told me he’s not surprised by what I’m doing right now.”

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.