Stephen A. Smith issued a very animated challenge to Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards ahead of the team’s first-round playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers.
“Anthony Edwards, are you listening?” he said. “You are a superstar in this league, my brother. Box-office! I don’t want to see 19 points a game this season against the Lakers on 40% shooting, 32% from three-point range – not good enough.”
“This is the only shot Minnesota has of even making this a series,” Smith added. “Because I can easily see the Lakers winning this in six.”
Smith continued by saying, “Here’s where it gets interesting – if Ant-Man himself says, ‘I’m sick and tired of these damn superstars and this LeBron James and Luka Doncic. I’ve got something to say about that. I’m Ant-Man, that’s who the hell I am.”
"I'm Ant-Man, that's who the hell I am." 😤 @stephenasmith has a message for Anthony Edwards entering Lakers-Wolves 👀 pic.twitter.com/nmExZyB4Ir
— First Take (@FirstTake) April 14, 2025
Smith effectively demanded that Anthony Edwards step up to the plate and establish himself as the best player on the court. Needless to say, Edwards would have to do this for his team to stand a chance against the Lakers and their star power.
The Purple and Gold feature several weapons on both ends of the floor. With a trio of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves to deal with, the Lakers present a tough matchup for any opposing team in the West.
In response to this, the Timberwolves will need their best player to be the best version of himself to keep their postseason aspirations alive.
Edwards recorded an average of 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. He also became the NBA’s leader in three-pointers made this season. Although he has barely scratched the surface of his potential, he is definitely “box-office”.
The upcoming series is most certainly a challenge for the young star. His record against the Lakers hasn’t been impressive by any means.
Although the season series was tied at two apiece, Edwards notched an underwhelming average of 19 points per game. This featured a particularly disappointing performance of eight points, seven rebounds, and three assists early in December, which still resulted in a 109-80 blowout win for Minnesota.
Anthony Edwards is immensely confident when it comes to backing himself. But now is the time for this to be displayed on the court.
The Timberwolves clawed their way into the playoffs on the back of some impressive performances by their young star. Barring the nine-point outing against the Brooklyn Nets, Edwards was in some tremendous form to close out the season, and this will be the version that his team will need.
The upcoming matchup in Los Angeles will be a test of the star’s competence in the playoffs. Although he is reluctant to be the face of the league, there is no doubt that there are high expectations of Edwards.
