Stephen A. Smith Calls Out Anthony Edwards Ahead of Lakers-Wolves Playoffs

If the Minnesota Timberwolves are going to have a shot against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, it has to start with Anthony Edwards.

The NBA's leading three-point shooter this season, Edwards has carried the Timberwolves offensively in the post-Karl Anthony-Towns era.

However, he's had some off nights, especially against the Lakers this season. In four games against Los Angeles, Edwards has averaged 19 points per game, well below his average of 27.6 this season.

In anticipation of the series, Stephen A. Smith sent Edwards a strong message ahead of Game 1 on Saturday, April 19.

Appearing on an April 14 edition of ESPN's "First Take," Smith called Edwards to rise to the stakes of the playoff series like he did in last year, leading the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals.

"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

"Anthony Edwards, are you listening? You are a superstar in this league, my brother. 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," Smith said, adding that he predicts the Lakers to win in six games unless Edwards can rise to the occasion.

"Here's where it gets interesting. If Ant-Man himself says, 'I'm sick and tired of these damn superstars and LeBron James and Luka Doncic. I got something to say about that. I'm Ant-Man... I'm going to show you who the hell I am,' " Smith said. "If that Ant-Man shows up, you got a potential seven-game series here back in LA. "

In last year's playoffs, Edwards elevated his status as a premier scorer in the NBA, leading a sweep of the Phoenix Suns and a clutch Game 7 victory over the Denver Nuggets en route to the Western Conference Finals. Edwards averaged 27.6 points per game last postseason.

However, the Doncid-led Dallas Mavericks swept the Timberwolves in the conference finals -- which Smith reminded Edwards as motivation for the upcoming series.

"I think Anthony Edwards reminiscing on Luka and how he gave it to them in a Western Conference Finals last year is going to answer the call. And Anthony Edwards is going to, that brother going to win about two or three games by himself. Anthony Edwards is averaging over 30 this series. That's what I'm predicting," Smith said. "He going to put on the show."