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-of-28 field-goal shooting, 3-of-9 3-point), eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals.
Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves were the only Lakers who scored double-digit points. Overall, the Celtics shot 48% from the field (39% 3-point), while the Lakers shot 39% (30% 3-point). Boston also won the rebound battle 50-39.
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James spoke about his relationship with Brown postgame, via Celtics on CNLS' 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 all right."
Brown whispered "I don't think Bro nny's a pro" at an NBA Summer League game in 2024.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) warms up before a game.Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
(Stephen Lew-Imagn Images)The younger James has yet to become a regular rotational piece in Los Angeles; 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.
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The Lakers drafted the former USC Trojan No. 55 overall in 2024 after he played just one season in college. He has been more productive in the G League, averaging 15.5 points on 53.6% shooting (40.6% 3-point) with 3.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists over 25.5 minutes (six 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 21.9 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, 250-pounder is averaging 21.7 points on 49.7% shooting (30.3% 3-point) with 5.7 rebounds and 7.1 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.
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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 Brown is fourth in the NBA with 29.2 points per ga me on 48.1% shooting (34.4% 3-point) with seven rebounds and 4.9 assists over 34.3 minutes.
Up next for the Lakers is a home date with the Orlando Magic at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Related: NBA Legend Pat Riley in Disbelief Over Lakers Honor
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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