LA Lakers Legend Scared of the Minnesota Timberwolves for One Reason…

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Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

At times this season, it wasn’t a guarantee that the Minnesota Timberwolves would even make the playoffs. That’s not the 2024-25 reality they had hoped for, coming off a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2023-24.

Ultimately, their 49-33 record landed the Wolves the 6th seed in the West playoff bracket, setting them up for a first round date with LeBron James, Luka Doncic the new-look Los Angeles Lakers. Anthony Edwards has new running mates, this time around, in his first postseason without KAT by his side.

Chris Finch’s squad closed out the season on a good note, thanks to two separate eight and five game winning streaks, over their final 20 games. Those wins allowed Minnesota to narrowly escape the 2025 NBA play-in tournament.

Magic Johnson knows Minnesota Timberwolves Anthony Edwards is a star

Few people know the game of basketball, or the Los Angeles Lakers, better than 13-year veteran and NBA Hall of Famer Earvin Magic Johnson. The 5x NBA champion, 12x All-Star and 10x All-NBA point guard also knows a thing or two about winning.

And when Magic looks at the matchup in round one between the Timberwolves and Lakers, his palms get sweaty. Why, because the Minnesota Timberwolves have THE new NBA superstar on their team, in Anthony Edwards.

Anthony Edwards played 79 games for the third straight season. His 27.6 points per game were a career-high, and he led the league with 320 three-pointers. He worked heavily on his perimeter game this offseason and the 39.5% from deep was a new career-best.

Related: Kevin Garnett Unsure About Return to MN — Thinking Bigger Than Timberwolves

When going right, Edwards has the ability to take over a game. He can get downhill and attack the rim. He can beat a defender off the dribble, and he can quickly pull up for a deep ball. The Lakers will have to knock the 23-year-old off his game or Magic is right, it could be a long series for Lake Show.

As Johnson alludes to, Edwards could create matchup issues for Los Angeles. If he’s able to get going, then the Lakers may be in trouble. By drawing additional attention Edwards should also expect to see teammates in spots to contribute.

Being underdogs doesn’t necessarily mean anything to these Timberwolves. They played that role against the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets last year while knocking both off. It wasn’t until they were favored against the Dallas Mavericks where they came up short.

Anthony Edwards empowering Timberwolves teammates

Sometimes it’s difficult to remember that Anthony Edwards is just 23 years old. Despite his youth, he is the unquestioned leader of the Minnesota Timberwolves. He knows that and has embraced that role this season. Part of leadership is knowing when to take over and when to step back.

Early indications out of the Wolves locker room have Ant ready to empower his teammates, if the Lakers decide to focus all of their time and energy on defense stopping him. Edwards will need his supporting cast to cash in on their opportunities, when the defense is keyed on him (which will be early and often).

“Intense, motivated, determined. You can see that he’s really imposing his leadership and getting guys involved. Very, very vocal and giving out confidence for what to expect. I think it’s important that all of us have that mindset of being ready and staying ready.”

Nickeil Alexander-Walker on Anthony Edwards in practice this week

The Timberwolves will need key role players to be contributors if they want to win this series. Donte DiVincenzo came over from the New York Knicks and has settled into his place with Minnesota. He has averaged 11.7 points per game this year, and his ability to provide a spark has been noticeable in multiple contests.

Related: Nuggets Want Tim Connelly Back; Should Timberwolves be Concerned?

Big man Naz Reid is in line for a new contract this offseason and he deserves the payday. After winning Sixth Man of the Year last season, he is averaging a career-best 14.2 points per game and remains lethal from deep. His ability can stretch the Lakers smaller lineup and he must be someone Edwards can count on to hit shots.

The series should be a lot of fun, and it the Timberwolves can figure out a way to knock out the Lakers, their confidence will only grow. At their best, Minnesota is right their atop the Western Conference. They have to find and hold onto that for the next couple of weeks.

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