While the internet has widely dubbed Anthony Edwards to be Michael Jordan’s son, his Minnesota Timberwolves teammate, Julius Randle, has a different but equally bold take.
Randle, who played alongside the late Kobe Bryant during his early years with the Los Angeles Lakers, compared Edwards to the Black Mamba himself.
Randle Speaks on Edwards-Kobe Comparisons
“I have been around a lot of great players. He is as confident in his belief in himself as … it’s Kobe-like. And I was around Kobe,” Randle told ESPN. “He’s not scared of any moment and he wants those moments. His belief and confidence in who he is as a player is the highest I’ve ever seen or been around, for anybody.”
Coming from someone who witnessed Kobe’s legendary mindset firsthand, Randle’s words carry significant weight. It is a bold comparison, to say the least — but one can’t help but wonder if it is in any way grounded in reality.
Watching Anthony Edwards play, there are certainly shades and echoes of Kobe in his game. At just 23 years old, Edwards has quickly become the face of the Timberwolves — and with the speed at which he is ascending through the ranks, he may soon be the face of the league. His fearless style has made him one of the most dynamic scorers in the league and of his generation.
Edwards’ ability to create his own shot is actually very reminiscent of Kobe’s vast offensive arsenal. Even Edwards’ relentless approach to attacking defenders, his willingness to take clutch shots, and perhaps most importantly, his undeniable charisma on the court bring back memories of a young Kobe Bryant.
Edwards’ recent playoff performances have only added fuel to the comparisons. The Timberwolves are on a heater, having just defeated the Golden State Warriors in five games. Granted, this was a Warriors team missing their primary star and facilitator in Stephen Curry, but Minnesota’s dominance and Edwards’ court presence in high-stakes moments cannot be ignored.
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Yet, while the Kobe comparisons are flattering, they also come with burden and immense pressure. Bryant wasn’t just a star — he was an icon on the court and has left one of the most solid legacies in sports history. For Edwards, maintaining that level of mental toughness and translating into into consistent success will be the true test of how far this comparison can go.
As Minnesota heads into its second consecutive Western Conference Finals, Edwards will once again have the big stage to prove his worth. While Randle certainly has the highest praise for the young superstar, the rest of the world is not so easily convinced.