LeBron James praises rival Anthony Edwards after loss to Minnesota and looks ahead to the future

Anthony Edwards and Minnesota Timberwolves managed to advance to the Western Conference Semifinals leaving behind LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers.

Edwards averaged 26.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game, helping his team in the five games it took to eliminate them. In the face of such a performance, LeBron fell at his feet.

In his passage through the microphones of the “Mind The Game” podcast, the four-time NBA champion recalled the end of Game 5 where he recognized the talent of the 23-year-old, congratulated him and hugged him.

You know, I think that moment, for me, is like understanding and recognizing the next generation, and someone who can do it and be great for a long time in our league,” James said. “That’s what our game is all about, being able to pass it down to the next generation.

Edwards averaged 26.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game, helping his team in the five games it took to eliminate them. In the face of such a performance, LeBron fell at his feet.That was rough! Steph Curry body put at risk after dirty play against the Warriors
In his passage through the microphones of the “Mind The Game” podcast, the four-time NBA champion recalled the end of Game 5 where he recognized the talent of the 23-year-old, congratulated him and hugged him.

You know, I think that moment, for me, is like understanding and recognizing the next generation, and someone who can do it and be great for a long time in our league,” James said. “That’s what our game is all about, being able to pass it down to the next generation.

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Despite this, James didn’t necessarily enshrine him as a champion by any means, but mentioned it with his professional career in mind: “It’s just like taking the next step in you as a person, you as a player,” James added. “Continue to get better, better and better. You know, your time is gonna come.”

After beating James, he struggled in Game 1 against the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference semifinals. Although he scored 23 points and some assists, he needed 22 shots to make it.

Knowing that Stephen Curry will miss Game 2 and likely Game 3 due to a Grade 1 strain in his hamstring, Edwards will need to bounce back in Game 2 to put the 99-88 loss behind him and get the tie before traveling to the Warriors’ home.