LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves 103-96 in Game 5 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on Wednesday, ending their season. Though James was being sent home, he still had a positive message for one of his counterparts, Anthony Edwards.
A video that circulated on Thursday showed James giving Edwards a postgame hug.
“Take the next step,” James was seen telling Edwards.
LeBron James: “C’mon now, take the next step”
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 1, 2025
Anthony Edwards: “Ima hit you”
LeBron James: “Ok, hit me yessir”
🐜 x 👑
(h/t @BronGotGame )
pic.twitter.com/Vb1welSfo0
That’s a cool message of encouragement from James, who has won four championships, to Edwards, who is still looking to advance to his first career NBA Finals.
Edwards was the No. 1 overall pick in 2020 and is in his fifth NBA season. His Timberwolves have reached the playoffs four seasons in a row and made it to the Western Conference finals last year before losing to the Dallas Mavericks. After being topped by Edwards’ squad, James wants Edwards to take the next step in his career and go all the way.
The Timberwolves are awaiting the winner of the Golden State Warriors-Houston Rockets series in the conference semifinals. The Oklahoma City Thunder swept their way to the conference semis and will take on the winner of the Nuggets-Clippers series in the other semifinal.
