Jaylen Brown has blossomed into one of the NBA’s elite two-way players, earning multiple All-Star selections and establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Boston Celtics franchise. The five-time All-Star has developed into a complete player who impacts games on both ends of the floor, helping lead the Celtics to championship contention year after year.
What Advice Did LeBron James Give to Jaylen Brown?
However, back when Brown was just a rookie finding his footing in the league, he received prophetic words of encouragement from one of basketball’s all-time greats. That early validation from LeBron James stuck with the young player throughout his journey to stardom, and now Brown is reflecting on how those words have come full circle.
During a recent conversation, Jaylen Brown shared a memorable encounter with LeBron James from his rookie season. “When I first got into the league, my first start was against the Cleveland Cavaliers,” Brown recalled. “After the game, he came up to me and told me in my ear, ‘You’re going to be an All-Star one day. You’re going to be a great player.’”
The advice didn’t stop there; James also offered guidance on Brown’s situation with the Celtics organization. “And he also said, ‘You’re playing for a great coach, just keep your head up and keep doing what you’re doing,’” Brown continued. The reference to his coach was a nod to Brad Stevens, who was leading the Celtics at the time and helping develop Brown’s game.
Brown specified the timeframe of this impactful conversation, noting it happened during his very first NBA start, placing the encounter at the beginning of his professional journey when everything was still new and uncertain.
Fast forward to the 2026 All-Star Game, and the two players had a chance to reconnect and reflect on how James’ prediction had come true. “He told me that, so we talked about it at the All-Star Game,” Brown explained. “He smiled like, ‘Of course, I’m not surprised at anything you’re doing right now.’”
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The fact that James took time after a game to offer words of encouragement to an opposing rookie speaks volumes about his character and understanding of his role as a veteran leader. Brown was just the third overall pick, trying to find his place in the league, and validation from someone of James’ stature clearly resonated deeply.
Brown’s journey from that nervous rookie to a multiple-time All-Star and franchise cornerstone has vindicated James’ early assessment. The Celtics wing has developed into exactly the type of player James predicted, becoming an All-Star caliber talent who leads his team both on and off the court.