Anthony Edwards isn’t flinching at the pressure of facing the LA Lakers – he’s loving every second of being underestimated.
As the Minnesota Timberwolves prepare to clash with the Lakers in the first round of the NBA playoffs, most of the national media has already made up its mind: LeBron James and company are expected to advance. But for Edwards, that’s not an insult, it’s motivation.
“I just love it,” Edwards said about the Lakers getting the bulk of the attention. “It’s dope. That’s how it’s supposed to be. Everyone wants the Lakers to win. I get it.”
This isn’t unfamiliar territory for Edwards, whose rise to stardom has always come with a chip on his shoulder. Now entering his fourth postseason, the 22-year-old isn’t just embracing the underdog role, he’s thriving in it.
A new chapter in a historic rivalry
The Timberwolves and Lakers have playoff history, but it’s been 20 years since their last postseason meeting. Back in 2004, Kevin Garnett led Minnesota to the Western Conference Finals, only to be stopped by a Lakers team stacked with Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.
This year, the Lakers come in as the No. 3 seed, armed with championship experience and the ever-dominant LeBron James. The Wolves, meanwhile, enter as hungry contenders, aiming to prove that last year’s trip to the conference finals wasn’t a fluke.
The regular-season series between the two teams ended in a 2-2 split, setting the stage for what could be a tightly contested battle.
Edwards relishes the challenge of facing LeBron
While some might shrink at the thought of facing one of the greatest to ever play, Edwards is energized by the opportunity.
It means a lot to be matched up against him,” Edwards said of James. “Trying to put him out of the playoffs under my belt is going to be a tough one.
Edwards understands the weight of the moment. LeBron is entering his 18th postseason, aiming for yet another deep run. But the Ant-Man is ready. With averages of 27.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in last year’s playoffs, he’s already shown he belongs in the big moments.
Now, he wants more than respect, he wants results.
And if the media wants to bet on the Lakers? That’s just fuel for Anthony Edwards.
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