Celtics star Jaylen Brown revels the NBA legend he regrets not having met

Jaylen Brown‘s NBA career shines with his imposing talent and relentless work ethic. Even while sharing the spotlight with fan-favorite Jayson Tatum, he has carved out his own space to excel. Though the longstanding rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers remains fierce, Brown recently revealed a personal regret: not having met one of his greatest idols, a legendary figure from the rival franchise.

“That’s one of my biggest regrets in life. I never got to meet Kobe (Bryant)… He did a ‘Detail’ on me in like 2018… It (surprised me that he did it). I was so hyped. I was so hyped… Somebody that’s so influential, it would’ve been great to be able to (meet him),” Jaylen Brown said, via Kyrie Irving’s Twitch channel.

Jaylen Brown has often spoken about Kobe Bryant, acknowledging the profound impact the ‘Mamba Mentality’ has had on his professional journey. “Kobe’s journey taught me about being fearless and pushing sports, along with society, to new heights,” he said, via Essence. This influence is evident in Brown’s career, as he stands out as one of the most committed and disciplined players on the Boston Celtics, making him a favorite among fans.

Kobe Bryant has significantly influenced Jaylen Brown, both on and off the court. During a 2024 appearance on The Stephen A. Smith Show, he revealed how deeply Bryant inspired him to create his ‘741 Performance’ brand. “A lot of the reason why I started this shoe company is because I read an article around 2019 or so that Kobe was doing the same thing before he passed.”

Kobe Bryant #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against the Houston Rockets at Staples Center on October 28, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.

Jaylen Brown gets chance to silence critics by leading the Boston Celtics in Jayson Tatum’s absence

Jaylen Brown has cemented his status as one of the Boston Celtics‘ standout players, consistently averaging over 20 points per game for six straight seasons. However, postseason performances has attracted criticism, with fans often claiming his lack of impact during the postseason crucial.

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Despite the ongoing scrutiny, Brown emphasizes his commitment to the team, highlighting the numerous sacrifices and his adaptability to various roles. Now, with Jayson Tatum sidelined for most of the 2025-26 season, he finds himself with a prime opportunity to step up as the Celtics’ offensive leader.

Rather than feeling pressured, Jaylen has embraced the role of the franchise leader, eager to demonstrate his capabilities as a game-changer. “I’m one of the talented people in this league, on this planet, I feel like. I’m looking forward to showing the world more,” he said, via Noa Dalzell.