Anthony Edwards Takes a Triumphant Victory Lap Around L.A.

Anthony Edwards Takes a Commanding Victory Lap After Dismantling Lakers in Game 5

Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t just win a playoff series—they sent a message. With a gritty 103-96 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night, the Wolves sealed the series 4–1, knocking LeBron James and his star-studded squad out of the postseason and asserting themselves as a force in the Western Conference.

For 22-year veteran LeBron James, the defeat marked a bitter end to a season filled with lofty ambitions. For 22-year-old Anthony Edwards, it was a defining moment of ascendance.

The Timberwolves Flip the Script

Entering the playoffs, few believed the Timberwolves had the firepower to contend with the experience and star power of the Lakers. The phrase “Lakers in 5” echoed confidently through social media, podcasts, and pundit predictions. Edwards, however, had other plans—and he never wavered in his belief that Minnesota could defy the odds.

Edwards was electric throughout the series, showcasing his full arsenal of athleticism, scoring, and swagger. More than just highlight plays, his leadership helped galvanize a Timberwolves roster that had often been dismissed in the playoff conversation.

“I told y’all,” Edwards said postgame with a grin. “They counted us out, but we stayed locked in.”

The Wolves played with relentless energy, showing cohesion on both ends of the floor. Rudy Gobert dominated the paint, Jaden McDaniels brought ferocious defense, and Karl-Anthony Towns provided stability inside. But Edwards was the catalyst, and his performance throughout the series proved he belongs in the conversation among the NBA’s rising elite.

A Victory Lap With Swagger

While some players choose to celebrate playoff wins in private, Anthony Edwards opted for a more public display of triumph—one that instantly went viral. After knocking the Lakers out of the postseason in their own arena, Edwards took a spontaneous stroll through the streets of Los Angeles. It wasn’t boastful—it was symbolic. He had conquered a titan on their turf, and he was walking through L.A. not as a tourist, but as the man who ended their season.

In a series of videos captured by fans and shared widely online, Edwards appeared relaxed and radiant, soaking in the moment. As one fan reminded him of the infamous “Lakers in 5” prediction, Edwards laughed it off, waving it away like an outdated rumor.

“They said Lakers in 5… and they were right—we closed it in Game 5,” Edwards joked.

The young star also let fans in on a surprisingly lighthearted detail about himself: his favorite movie is Matilda—yes, the 1996 classic about a magical, brainy girl who fights back against authority. It felt oddly fitting: a young underdog who refuses to be bullied and ends up flipping the entire script. Just like Edwards did to the Lakers.

What’s Next for the Wolves?

With the Lakers in their rearview mirror, the Timberwolves now shift their focus to the Western Conference semifinals, where they’ll face the winner of the Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors series. Both potential opponents present unique challenges—but if this first round proved anything, it’s that the Timberwolves are not to be taken lightly.

Edwards, already beloved in Minnesota, is quickly becoming a national figure. His charisma, confidence, and fearlessness have made him one of the most talked-about players in the league this postseason.

“I just love hoopin’,” Edwards said in a postgame interview. “I love competing. I’m not scared of anyone. That’s what makes this fun.”

Teammates have also praised his growing leadership. Gobert referred to Edwards as the “heart” of the team, while Towns called his performance “inspirational.” Head coach Chris Finch emphasized that Edwards’ growth—on and off the court—has been vital in transforming the Timberwolves from playoff hopefuls into legitimate contenders.

Whether it’s Houston or Golden State, the Timberwolves are now entering the next round with momentum, belief, and swagger. And Edwards? Don’t be surprised if he decides to stretch his legs in someone else’s city next.