The latest installment of the NBA's most historic rivalry was staged Sunday, Feb. 22, with Jaylen Brown leading theBoston Celticsto a111-89 victoryover LeBron James and theLos Angeles Lakerson the road.
Brown nearly produced a triple-double, compiling 32 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in 36 minutes of play.
He has taken over as the primary option for Boston sinceJayson Tatum tore his right Achilles tendonduring Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on May 12, 2025.
Brown was named the NBA Finals MVP after the Celtics won the championship in 2024, but James believes there's a case to be made for Brown to be mentioned in this season's MVP race.
"This whole MVP thing, I don't understand why his name is not getting talked about as well," James said of Brown after Sunday's game. "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."
Brown is averaging 29.2 points, seven rebounds and 4.8 assists per game this season. He's fourth among NBA players in points per game this season.
Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
The MVP conversation has largely been dominated by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets), the winners of the prior two MVP awards.
"It's an honor to play the Celtics-Lakers rivalry. It's an honor for LeBron, who's arguably the best player to ever play the game, to give me some high praise," Brown told reporters after the game. "So, I'm just grateful."
James and Brown were teammates during theNBA All-Star Game mini-tournamentearlier this month at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
Who is considered the NBA MVP favorite?
Odds via BetMGM, as of 1 a.m. ET Monday morning:
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (-140)
Nikola Jokic (+310)
Cade Cunningham (+500)
Victor Wembanyama (+2500)
Luka Doncic (+4000)
Jaylen Brown (+5000)
Donovan Mitchell (+10000)
Anthony Edwards (+15000)
Jalen Brunson (+20000)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:LeBron James praises Jaylen Brown after Celtics-Lakers game