Jayson Tatum rejected comparisons between his relationship with former Boston Celtics teammate Jaylen Brown and the famous feud between Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. Tatum spoke after scoring 36 points in Friday's 107-103 home-opening win over the New York Knicks.

"This ain't no f---ing Shaq and Kobe," said Tatum. "There's no beef, it's not about that. It should be more praise. I understand drama gets clicks and views, but I'm not really into that. I'm not blaming everybody for how they feel. Everybody is entitled to their own feelings, and we all go through different things in our lives."

Earlier this week, Brown posted a blue hat emoji on Instagram, a symbol suggesting someone isn't telling the truth. Brown was responding to Tatum saying on his YouTube channel that he was caught off guard by Brown's trade to the Philadelphia 76ers this summer.

Tatum said he called and texted Brown the day of the trade. He said the two should talk directly instead of on social media.

"At this point in our lives, we're too old to be having our relationship discussed on the internet," said Tatum. "If there's a conversation to be had, we can definitely have the conversation."

Boston traded Brown to Philadelphia in July for a deal that brought Paul George to the Celtics. Together, Tatum and Brown won the 2024 championship, reached the 2022 Finals and made the Eastern Conference finals five times in eight years. Brown was the 2024 Finals MVP.

Tatum also had nine rebounds and seven assists, his best game since tearing his Achilles in the 2025 playoffs. The Celtics play at Philadelphia on Nov. 10.