Star Celtics forward Jaylen Brown can be named among such players as Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce now that he’s gone mano a mano with LeBron and hung a title as well. And after he helped beat the Lakers at TD Garden, James had some praise for his younger opponent \u2013 with a dig thrown in as well for good measure.<\/p>\n
Asked what their relationship has been like and how he has Brown’s current campaign unfolding, James replied<\/a> “I think he just used the motivation of a lot of people\u2014 just saying that they’re going to have a down year because of, obviously (Jayson Tatum) being out.”<\/p>\n “Them losing Jrue (Holiday), Al (Horford) leaves,” continued the Lakers star. “(Kristaps) Porzingis leaves, the whole championship team\u2014 pretty much is kind of revamped — he uses that motivation to keep them afloat. They’re playing great basketball, and it’s because of him and the rest of those guys, he’s taking that next step.”<\/p>\n Still, LeBron had to poke just a little after getting spanked 111-89 by Boston at home. “Our relationship has been pretty respectful besides the (expletive) he said about Bronny (James) at Summer League,” he said with a smile. “But other than that, we’ve been all right,”<\/p>\n Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!<\/a><\/p>\n Listen to “Havlicek Stole the Pod” on:<\/p>\n Blue Wire: https:\/\/tiny.ee\/CdKp<\/p>\n![\"Feb](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/88833215007-usatsi-28317790.jpg\")