Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised both Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard ahead of the Boston Celtics-Lakers battle on Sunday night.
“I don’t think anybody should be surprised at how good of a season that Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard are having," Redick told the media.
JJ Redick: “I don’t think anybody should be surprised at how good of a season that Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard are having.”
— Jack Simone (@JackSimoneNBA) February 22, 2026
Redick's not wrong.
Brown is delivering a career-best campaign. In 50 games, he's averaging 29.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, shooting 48.4% from the field and 34.5% from three. His scoring ranks among the league's top performers, and he has posted multiple standout efforts, including triple-doubles like his recent 23-point, 15-rebound, 13-assist performance in a win over Golden State.
Brown has carried a heavy load offensively while contributing in other areas, helping Boston maintain a strong position near the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Payton Pritchard has also elevated his role significantly, stepping up as a key guard. In 54 games, he's averaging 17.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists, with solid 46.5% field goal shooting and 36.1% from three.
His increased minutes (around 32.7 per game) reflect greater responsibility, and he has provided reliable scoring and playmaking, often shining in recent outings with 20+ point efforts and strong three-point shooting.
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