Anthony Edwards heard every prediction, every meme, every hot take — especially the most popular: “Lakers in five.” So when the Minnesota Timberwolves flipped the script and bounced the Los Angeles Lakers in five games, Edwards didn’t hold back.
From the moment the buzzer sounded on Game 5’s 103-96 win, the Timberwolves guard made sure the basketball world remembered who said what and who had the last laugh. This was personal, and Edwards made sure it looked that way.
Anthony Edwards Takes a Victory Lap
Former NFL tight end and current analyst Shannon Sharpe might want a do-over because Edwards made it awkward very quickly. Walking through the tunnel at Crypto.com Arena, the Timberwolves star couldn’t help but mock Sharpe’s now-viral “Lakers in five” prediction.
“Ant-Man, Batman, Superman… Lakers in 5,” Edwards said with a smirk, poking fun at the meme Lakers fans had latched onto.
Anthony Edwards:
“Ant man, Batman, Superman… Lakers in 5.” (via @lakeshowyo) pic.twitter.com/oXwCVOOpY3
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops)
But that was just the beginning. In his postgame presser, Edwards doubled down.
“They said Lakers in five, and the ‘Wolves won in five,” he said. “So I think that makes it feel 10 times better.”
There wasn’t a hint of over-the-top gloating. Just matter-of-fact swagger — the kind of energy that comes from being doubted, then proving everyone wrong.
This wasn’t just any win. This was Minnesota taking out a LeBron James-led squad, with Luka Dončić in the backcourt. That’s not a light lift. The Lakers came into the series loaded with hype and legacy, but none of that rattled Edwards.
Timberwolves’ Statement Win Leaves Lakers in Shambles
Minnesota didn’t just survive Los Angeles. It dominated.
Even when games got tight, the Timberwolves controlled the tempo. They were faster and more physical — they just looked hungrier. While the Lakers limped and questioned calls, Minnesota looked like it was just getting started.
MORE: Breaking Down Anthony Edwards’ Game 5 vs. Lakers
This series exposed Los Angeles’ depth, coaching decisions, and overall readiness. The Timberwolves had an answer for every run, every adjustment. And when the lights were brightest, Edwards played like a star and talked like a star. And now, he’s being treated like one.
Minnesota is moving on with all the momentum, and Edwards is moving on with receipts.
“To the victor go the spoils,” they say. In this case, the spoils include memes, mic drops, and one of the coldest walk-off lines of the playoffs.
Sharpe said, “Lakers in 5.” Edwards made sure it happened, but not the way most expected.
