Anthony Edwards’ LeBron James Message Resurfaces Before Lakers Playoff Series

The Golden State Warriors’ overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers has paved the way for one of the most compelling matchups in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs: the No. 3 seed Los Angeles Lakers vs. the No. 6 seed Minnesota Timberwolves.

Tied 2-2 in their regular season series, the two teams are set to square off in a best-of-seven showdown beginning April 19 at Crypto.com Arena. The series will feature a marquee duel between Timberwolves rising star Anthony Edwards and Lakers superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

Adding fuel to the fire, a resurfaced clip from Netflix’s Starting 5 series has gone viral ahead of Game 1.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (1) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6)

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (1) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6)

Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

In it, Edwards delivers a bold message regarding his competitive mindset—and his desire to go head-to-head with James.

“I do not look up to anybody in the league right now currently. Not at all. Yeah, not the slightest,” Edwards says in the clip. “Yeah, I wanna cook LeBron one-on-one. Like, who don’t? If you say you don’t… then you don’t wanna compete.”

Edwards has drawn widespread praise for his intensity and unshakable self-belief, traits that have prompted frequent comparisons to NBA legend Michael Jordan. Last postseason, Edwards helped the Timberwolves sweep Kevin Durant’s Phoenix Suns in the first round en route to a Conference Finals appearance. He’ll now aim to do the same against James and a surging Lakers squad.

With both teams boasting star power and playoff aspirations, the stage is set for a high-stakes battle that could deliver some of the postseason’s most electrifying moments.

Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick