LeBron James described his relationship with Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown as “pretty respectful” but acknowledged lingering tension over Brown’s alleged comments about James’ son, Bronny, during the 2024 NBA Summer League.
“Our relationship has been pretty respectful. Besides the sh*t he said about Bronny in Summer League. But other than that we’ve been all right,” James said in a postgame interview following the Celtics’ 111-89 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. James also praised Brown’s performance this season, noting that the 29-year-old forward has defied preseason predictions of a down year for Boston and deserves consideration in MVP discussions.
The comments stem from a July 2024 Summer League game in Las Vegas, where Brown was caught on video appearing to question Bronny James’ professional readiness while sitting courtside. Brown, who was attending the game with then-girlfriend Kysre Gondrezick and Las Vegas Aces star Angel Reese, reportedly said, “I don’t think Bronny is a pro,” according to lip-reading interpretations. Brown later clarified on social media that his remarks were about the Lakers’ broader approach to developing Bronny, not a direct criticism of the younger James.
LeBron James on his relationship with Jaylen Brown: “It’s been pretty respectful despite the shit he said about Bronny at Summer League.” pic.twitter.com/LhyIBVt89z
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) February 23, 2026
Bronny James, now 21, was selected by the Lakers with the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and has spent much of his rookie season in the G League with the South Bay Lakers.
James’ remarks quickly sparked reactions on X, formerly known as Twitter, with fans and commentators weighing in on the ongoing dynamic between the two All-Stars.
One user, @kranepool, posted: “So it was LeBron who dropped a dime on Jaylen Brown to the BHPD.” The comment appeared to reference a recent incident involving Brown and the Beverly Hills Police Department, though no direct connection to James has been confirmed.
Another, @gvquz, simply wrote: “Well, he was right.”
Lakers fan @lakerandtang added: “He can’t handle the truth 🤷🏽♀️.”
@SilentlyL0ud noted: “lmao says this as bronny is literally in the g league.”
@rgalan44 said: “His kid is 22 let him speak up for himself.”
@Nero_Antium posted a longer critique: “@KingJames BRONNY SUCKS We get that he’s your passion project But he never deserved a guaranteed deal Here we are two years later and he’s still proving us right by getting almost zero playing time If he was any good we’d know it by now But every step of his basketball career Bronny James was propped upright to somehow advance levels in the world of basketball We can’t wait till both of y’all are gone.”
LeGruge 🤣😂
LeBron James on his relationship with Jaylen Brown:
“Our relationship has been pretty respectful. Besides the sh*t he said about Bronny in Summer League.” pic.twitter.com/jvAtM5bc1l
— Hater Report (@HaterReport) February 23, 2026
@KingofWhopper wrote: “Bro need to let it go. LOL stop forcing that dream on his son.”
Despite the jab, James emphasized Brown’s strong play, saying: “A lot of people were saying it might be lottery for the Celtics. Jaylen Brown basically said to hell with your narratives, I’m about to go crazy. We gotta give some flowers to Jaylen Brown.” Brown is averaging 29.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists through 45 games this season.
The Lakers and Celtics have a storied rivalry, with the two teams meeting in the NBA Finals 12 times. James and Brown have faced off multiple times in the playoffs, including during James’ tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
