Celtics’ Jaylen Brown reveals Kobe Bryant inspiration for shoe brand

The Boston Celtics are still sifting through the rubble of their 3-1 playoff collapse in the first round against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Celtics are now entering an offseason that could see some major changes in the franchise, with some speculating that the team might consider trading star Jaylen Brown if the right deal presented itself.

In the meantime, Brown is using the offseason to bring awareness to his off-court ventures, including his performance brand, 741.

Recently, the former Finals MVP stopped by the Jennifer Hudson Show to break down how that was inspired by the late Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant.

“I was inspired by LA’s Kobe Bryant. He inspired me not only to play basketball, but his thoughts and stuff off the court inspired me. Before he passed away, he was exploring starting his own brand and giving athletes better percentages and better deals, and using his platform for the future of what the next generation could possibly look at, so I look at it like me just trying to pick up where he left off,” said Brown, per The Jennifer Hudson Show on X, formerly Twitter.

Brown has been vocal about off-court issues throughout his career, a trend that has continued with his independent 741 brand, as well as other business ventures. Bryant was also an advocate for numerous causes before his passing, including becoming an early high-profile champion of women’s basketball.

Meanwhile, the Celtics are looking to retool this offseason after what was a roller coaster of a 2025-26 season, with Brown becoming an MVP candidate in leading Boston to 54 wins in what was thought to be a gap year, but with a lot of the good favor crashing down via the 3-1 collapse.

Teams will be eligible to make trades once the playoffs end.

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