Anthony Edwards wasn’t backing down in Game 1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ highly anticipated series vs. the Los Angeles Lakers. The Timberwolves’ vocal leader was seen getting into it with a group of fans on the sidelines in an exchange that has now gone viral on social media.
Edwards guided Minnesota to a 117-95 victory in Game 1, finishing with 22 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists. The 23-year-old NBA All-Star was fearless in a hostile environment at Crypto.com Arena. However, his antics were not limited to that only.
Anthony Edwards and Lakers Fans Exchange Words During Game 1
Edwards was seen chirping with some of the Lakers players on the court and didn’t hold back when the Los Angeles fans tested him on the sidelines. He’s never been shy about voicing his opinions, and the Timberwolves guard was seen engaging in trash talk with the fans during the game.
Edwards seemed to be defending himself and his teammates and threw out some big numbers to remind the Lakers fan base that the Minnesota players were doing just fine. He can be heard repeatedly saying $200 million.
“He got 200 million! He got 200 million! He got 200 million!” Edwards was heard saying as he pointed to his teammates.
“Ant-Man” then had a brief discussion with French center Rudy Gobert before adding, “He got $300 million.”
Gobert is reportedly a $200 million man. His career earnings are over $261 million, and he still has an extension of nearly $110 million set to kick in from next year.
The video has gone viral on social media, accumulating over 1.2 million impressions on X through various accounts. Per Spotrac, Edwards signed a five-year, $244.6 million deal with Minnesota in 2023 and will earn $42.2 million over the 2024-25 season.
The Timberwolves were lively, energetic, and hungry in the opening game of the series. The Lakers had no answer for a Minnesota team that outscored them in the paint, in fast-break points, and shot an impressive 50% from behind the arc.
READ: Anthony Edwards Net Worth and NBA Contract — How Much Does the Wolves Star Earn?
LeBron James and Austin Reaves struggled against a physical and athletic Timberwolves team that jumped out to a 59-48 lead at halftime and never looked back. The Lakers’ only bright spot was probably Luka Dončić, who wrapped up the night with 37 points.
Game 2 of the series is set to take place on Tuesday, April 22, at Crypto.com Arena. Lakers fans can trash-talk Edwards and the Minnesota lineup all they want, but if JJ Redick doesn’t make some adjustments in the coming games, this could be a very short series, and Edwards may be the one walking away with the last laugh.