Image Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

‘Who Ant-Man Got To Rely on’ – Stephen A. Smith Weighs In on Anthony Edwards’ Importance Over Luka Doncic Ahead of Lakers vs. Timberwolves Game 1

In the first round clash, the Los Angeles Lakers are paired against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Image Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

The action for the NBA 2024-25 season has reached its playoffs stage. In the first round clash, the Los Angeles Lakers are paired against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the teams will play it out in a best-of-seven series to make their way into the Western Conference semifinals. Ahead of the game, ESPN broadcaster Stephen A. Smith weighed on Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards’ importance over Luka Doncic in their respective teams.

Speaking on First Take, Smith implied that ‘Ant Man’ is the most important star in the upcoming Minnesota-Lakers series. The NBA pundit said that he is the only reason his team can make it ahead of this stage in the playoffs.

“For me it’s Anthony Edwards because it’s the only way Minnesota has a chance. They have no chance if Anthony Edwards isn’t a star in this series. When you got Luca and LeBron coming in your direction with the way Austin Reeves is playing you got a load on your shoulders if you’re Anthony Edwards.”

Smith went on to say that the Wolves don’t stand a chance in pulling off a series win over the Lakers if Edwards doesn’t play like a superstar in the series. He added, “You don’t have a snowball’s chance as a franchise of pulling a victory off in the first round against the Los Angeles Lakers without him being a superstar in this series.”

He further added that the Lakers have LeBron James and Luka Doncic, who can rely on each other during each other’s absence, implying that Edwards doesn’t have such a teammate. Smith went on to say, “There is no way around it because if Luca doesn’t do it LeBron’s going to do it If LeBron doesn’t do it Luca’s going to do it.”

Notably, the Los Angeles Lakers are seeded third in the Western Conference standings with a 50-32 tally. On the other hand, the Wolves secured their playoff berth after a dramatic season finale between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers. While the Lakers have stars like LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the Wolves would be solely dependent on Anthony Edwards.

Ant-Man finished the season with an average of 27.6, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. He leads the league’s standings in 3PM with 320, emerging as his side’s go-to man throughout the season.

“Anthony Edwards is Averaging Over 30 This Series”- Stephen A Smith Makes Bold Prediction About Lakers-Wolves Series

In the same show, the 57-year-old NBA analyst went on to make a bold prediction about the series. Smith, who has always made headlines with his criticism for the 22-time All-Star LeBron James, said that Edwards would win a couple of games by himself. Not only this, but he also said that the 30-year-old will average over 30 points in the series.

Smith said, “If Ant-Man himself says, ‘I’m sick and tired of these damn superstars in LeBron James and Luka Doncic, I got something to say about it. ‘I’m Ant-Man. That’s who the hell I am.’”

Predicting Edwards’ run in the series, Smith said, “That brother is going to win about two or three games by himself… Anthony Edwards is averaging over 30 [points] this series. That’s what I’m predicting.”

Notably, the action in the Lakers-Wolves Playoffs Round 1 series will kick off on Saturday, April 19, at 8:30 p.m. at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

2025 NBA Playoffs

Anthony Edwards

Luka Doncic

Stephen A. Smith

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.