Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers: A Historic Rivalry
On Sunday, February 22, the iconic NBA rivalry between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers saw its latest chapter as the Celtics triumphed with a score of 111-89 in Los Angeles.
Jaylen Brown’s Stellar Performance
Leading the charge for Boston was Jaylen Brown, who came close to achieving a triple-double with an impressive performance that included 32 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists over 36 minutes.
Brown has stepped into the spotlight as Boston’s leading scorer following the unfortunate injury of Jayson Tatum, who suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during the Eastern Conference semifinals on May 12, 2025. Brown’s remarkable play earned him the NBA Finals MVP title when the Celtics claimed the championship in 2024.
LeBron James Weighs In
Following the recent game, LeBron James expressed that Brown deserves consideration in the ongoing MVP discussions this season, stating:
“I don’t understand why his name is not being talked about as well. Nobody gave them a shot at the beginning of the season, and he’s averaging close to 30 points. It’s often a popularity contest.”
Current MVP Landscape
Currently, Brown boasts impressive statistics, averaging 29.2 points, seven rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, placing him fourth in the league for points per game. While he has made a notable impact, the current MVP discourse predominantly centers around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, each of whom has previously won the award.
Reflections on the Rivalry
After the game, Brown reflected on the significance of facing the Lakers and receiving commendation from a player of LeBron’s caliber, often referred to as one of the game’s greatest. Brown said:
“It’s an honor to play in the Celtics-Lakers rivalry. I’m just grateful for the recognition from LeBron.”
All-Star Game and MVP Odds
Earlier this month, both players participated as teammates during the NBA All-Star Game mini-tournament in Inglewood, California. Current MVP odds reflect the competitive landscape, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading at -140, followed by Jokic at +310, while Brown sits lower in the rankings at +5000, according to BetMGM.
This showdown not only highlighted the storied rivalry but also brought Jaylen Brown’s rising profile into the spotlight as the season progresses.
