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Video Reveals LeBron James' Immediate Message to Anthony Edwards After Game 5

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Mariano | Last updated May 1, 2025 11:11 AM ET

The Minnesota Timberwolves advanced to the second round of the playoffs after eliminating the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 on Wednesday.

The Timberwolves fended off the Lakers' comeback attempt in the fourth quarter to take the series-clinching win, 103-96.

Rudy Gobert had a game to remember, finishing with postseason career-highs of 27 points and 24 rebounds to lead Minnesota. He has been heavily criticized over the past years for playing below par in the playoffs.

Gobert's monster performance came at the perfect time as Anthony Edwards struggled from the field, scoring 15 points on 5-of-19 shooting. He contributed 11 rebounds, eight assists and three steals.

After the final buzzer, Edwards was hugged by LeBron James, with the Lakers superstar also offering a strong message.

"It's the next step now, come on," said James in the video posted by the NBA on X.

Ant celebrates and gets daps from Bron after Minnesota advances pic.twitter.com/oxHgX5F02N
— NBA (@NBA) May 1, 2025

The four-time MVP also struggled with efficiency, scoring 22 points on 21 attempts. He only scored five points in the fourth quarter.

The Timberwolves are now waiting for the winner between the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors. The latter is leading the series, 3-2.

The 23-year-old Edwards led Minnesota to the conference finals last season but fell short against the Dallas Mavericks.

Many believe that the high-flying guard is the new face of the league, and convincingly beating James and the Lakers would only lend more credence to that.

The Timberwolves, however, know that the road will only get tougher now that they defeated the Purple and Gold.

“It’s not about beating a specific person," said Gobert in a report from the Associated Press. "It’s about a championship, and we’ve got a little bit more work to do before that.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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