By Finn Littlewood
The two most storied franchises in the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, faced off on Sunday, February 22.
The resurgent Boston Celtics put in a dominant display to come out on top, with Jaylen Brown leading the way with 32 points.
Following the game, NBA great LeBron James sparked conversation in his post-game interview.
In a surprisingly honest interview, the 41-year-old condemned ‘disrespectful’ comments Brown allegedly made about his son Bronny last year, and in the same breath endorsed the Celtics forward for MVP.
Brown’s slip-up
Brown was caught on camera during the 2024 summer league appearing to say: “I don’t think Bronny is a pro.”
The video blew up online and many fans kept an eye on their relationship, making jokes about an icy interaction between the pair during last year’s All-Star weekend.
Only addressing the matter a year on, James showed he does in fact keep receipts, saying: “Things between have been respectful, except for the s*** he said about Bronny at summer league.”
Regarding Brown’s MVP status, James said: “This whole MVP thing, I don’t understand why his name is not getting talked about some as well.
“Like, nobody gave them a shot to start the season.”
James’ comments regarding Brown’s MVP status does ring home for a lot of basketball fans, suggesting that the award has become more of a popularity contest in recent years.
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Superstar status achieved?
Brown, 29, has squashed any belief that he does not have what it takes to lead a team this season, putting up impressive numbers following Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum’s devastating Achilles injury last season.
Brown was the NBA finals MVP in 2024 as the Celtics won the championship, already showing that he had what it takes to be a superstar.
He leads the way in points for the Celtics this year, with them currently sitting as the second seed in the Eastern conference.
Before the trade deadline, the Celtics traded for Nikola Vučević, a veteran centre who has extensive playoff experience.
This move for an ageing centre highlights for many around the league that Boston believe they have a strong chance to challenge in the East.
Tatum’s return
Tatum is reportedly on the final leg of his recovery following his injury, with many speculating he could return by the time the playoffs arrive.
Brown and Tatum have been the core of the Celtics since they were both drafted, in 2016 and 2017 respectively.
Brown’s brilliance has somewhat been overshadowed by Tatum’s in the majority of their time with the franchise, yet he has been earning deserved respect since Tatum’s absence.
The Celtics roster is one of championship pedigree as it is, but the return of a superstar like Tatum may bode well for a deep playoff berth.
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SportJustSport writers