The Anthony Edwards effect
byu/CMButterTortillas innba

Both James and Edwards matched up well against each other in a close 106-108 loss for the Lakers. James scored 26 points with three rebounds and six assists while Edwards notched 31 points and led the Wolves to the win.

The game was extremely controversial for a late-game LeBron three being ruled as a two-pointer. If the shot stood as a three, the Lakers could’ve taken the game to OT instead of losing in regulation for the second time this month at the hands of the Wolves.

The Lakers followed this loss up with another one at the hands of the Pelicans, a more decisive loss as the game ended 129-109 in New Orleans’ favor.

Anthony Edwards Wanted To Cook LeBron James One-On-One

Edwards is on the trajectory of being one of the NBA’s biggest stars, but he still has to unseat the existing superstars in the game. One of them is LeBron James, a player Ant respects immensely. Due to LeBron’s stature, Edwards said he wanted to cook LeBron one-on-one in a recent interview.

“I always try to do that versus LeBron but it never goes because they double-team me. He’s been the best player in the world for a long time, so I think that’s the main person I want to cook. Him or KD. But they never guard me one-on-one. (If Bron and I are one-on-one) it’ll be a fun day. That’s probably the only person I’m looking forward to cooking.”

Edwards got his wish, getting iso possessions on LeBron thrice during the Lakers vs. Wolves game. Unfortunately, Edwards didn’t get his defining highlight in three possessions, getting clamped by James. In three iso possessions with James as the primary defender, Edwards went 0-3, including an airball.

Edwards in iso's against LeBron last night:

– 0-3 on field goal attempts
– 2 shots missed rim, 1 airball
– 0 assists, 0 fouls drawn https://t.co/VwqvweSFA1

— ɴᴏᴛ (@georgemikan) December 31, 2023

There were strong moments for Ant throughout the game, including a play where he easily got by LeBron but forced a rushed shot because the help defense was covering off the rim. The potential is there, but it seems James hasn’t fallen off as a defender to that extent just yet.

Edwards is establishing himself as one of the brightest young talents in the NBA. He’s averaging 26.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists this season as the Wolves have dominated the West. James has been struggling with the Lakers once again but is averaging 25.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in a remarkable 21st season.