Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

LeBron James Addresses Jaylen Brown's Bronny James Diss After Lakers-Celtics

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Feb 23, 2026 5:00 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers had health on their side on Sunday night, but it didn't matter. The Jayson Tatum-less Boston Celtics beat them 111-89 in Los Angeles, largely thanks to Jaylen Brown's 32 points (10-28 FG, 3-9 3-point), eight rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.

Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves were the only Lakers that scored double-digit points. Overall, the Celtics shot 48% from the field (39% 3-point), while the Lakers shot 39 percent (30% 3-point). Boston also won the rebound battle 50-39.

James spoke about his relationship with Brown postgame, via Celtics on CNLS's Bobby Manning.

"Our relationship has been pretty respectful besides the [expletive] he said about Bronny at Summer League," the 41-year-old said. "Other than that, we been alright."

Brown whispered "I don't think Bronny's a pro" at a Summer League game in 2024.

LeBron James to me on the “s*** (Jaylen) said about Bronny,” their relationship and why he thinks Jaylen should be a real MVP candidate: pic.twitter.com/vBfn8cO1EE
— Bobby Manning (@RealBobManning) February 23, 2026

Bronny James Still Finding Consistency

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) warms up before a game.Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The younger James has yet to become a regular rotational piece in Los Angeles, as he's averaging just 2.2 points on 40% shooting (40.7% 3-point) and 1.2 assists over 7.3 minutes. The 21-year-old averaged 6.7 minutes last season, but his 29 games played this year are already two more than he played last year.

The Lakers drafted the former USC Trojan No. 55 overall in 2024 after he played just one season in college. He's been more productive in the G League, as he's averaging 12.5 points on 45.3% shooting (30.8% 3-point) with 3.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists over 30.7 minutes (12 games) for the South Bay Lakers this season.

At this point, Brown is half-right. Bronny has shown that he can at least succeed in the G League, as he also averaged 18.4 points at that level last season. That's still professional, but he hasn't proven that he can stick in the NBA.

On the other hand, LeBron is still shining despite being 41 years old. The 6-foot-9, 25-pounder is averaging 21.7 points on 49.9% shooting (30.6% 3-point) with 5.7 rebounds and 7.2 assists over 33.3 minutes. He's once again a key piece on a playoff contender, as Los Angeles is fifth in the Western Conference at 34-22.

Lastly, Brown has led Boston to second in the East (37-19) at this point despite missing the injured Tatum (Achilles) for the entire campaign. The 29-year-old is fourth in the NBA with 29.2 points per game on 48.4% shooting (34.5% 3-point) with seven rebounds and 4.8 assists over 34.3 minutes.

Up next for the Lakers is a home date with the Orlando Magic on Tuesday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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