Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards. Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Anthony Edwards offers bold statement ahead of playoff showdown vs. Lakers

By Kevin McCormick | Last updated Apr 17, 2025 3:27 PM ET

It came down to the wire, but Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves managed to avoid the play-in tournament and secure a spot in the West playoffs. Always oozing confidence, the All-Star guard isn't fazed by being overlooked in Round 1.

Finishing as the No. 6 seed, the Timberwolves find themselves with a tall task to open the postseason. They're slated to square off against the L.A. Lakers and their superstar duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic. As the lower seed, many are siding with the Lakers to be the team to advance to the Western Conference semifinals.

When asked his thoughts on being the underdogs in the series, Edwards isn't bothered. It seems to be added motivation for the superstar guard as they prepare to try and pull off an upset.

"I just love it. It’s dope," Edwards said. "I love the fact that everybody wants the Lakers to win. That’s how it’s supposed to be. They don’t want the Timberwolves to win. I get it."

Anthony Edwards on everyone picking the Lakers to win:
"I just love it. It’s dope. I love the fact that everybody wants the Lakers to win. That’s how it’s supposed to be. They don’t want the Timberwolves to win. I get it."
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) April 16, 2025

After reaching the Western Conference Finals last year, the Timberwolves made a major change by trading Karl-Anthony Towns. At the start of the year, the growing pains were clear.

However, the new-look roster managed to find its stride at the end of the year. Minnesota went 18-8 following the All-Star break, building the positive momentum it needed heading into the playoffs. It'll look to carry this into the showdown with the Lakers as it attempts to pull off an upset.

If the Timberwolves want any chance at advancing, they're going to need a stellar stretch of performances from Edwards. The former No. 1 pick will look to make a statement on Saturday night in Game 1 on the road.

Kevin McCormick

Kevin McCormick is a basketball writer for Yardbarker with years of experience in the journalism field. Based out of Philadelphia, he graduated from Holy Family University with a degree in Sports Management in 2019. Since then, Kevin has gone on to build a career in sports writing

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