LeBron James admits he didn’t mind Anthony Edwards’ physicality during the Lakers’ playoff exit to the Timberwolves

The Los Angeles Lakers’ postseason run didn’t go as expected, with the LeBron James-led team suffering heartbreak after exiting in the first round of the playoffs at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, relied on both physicality and talent to overpower their opponents, including the Lakers. Their physical style of play drew criticism from several Lakers fans, who were unhappy with what they felt was excessive contact on the court.

However, Lakers icon and NBA all-time leading scorer LeBron James didn’t mind the physicality displayed by the Timberwolves—particularly by Anthony Edwards.

James discussed this on the most recent episode of his podcast, Mind the Game, co-hosted by NBA legend Steve Nash.

“If that’s how we’re going to play and that’s how we’re going to allow it to be played, then I don’t mind it. I don’t mind it. Now, it needs to be that on both ends. It was never explained to me—like I’m trying to run down the court, and Ant is giving me the two-hand [check]. I’m beyond five yards. If this was the NFL, it would still be a penalty. I was beyond five yards in my route running,” James said.

What do y’all think? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/hcWS8nPfzj

— Mind the Game (@mindthegamepod) May 29, 2025

“But it was fun. It was competitive. You’re definitely wondering what line we’re crossing—or is there no line at all? Because you go through the lane, a guy does this, and you do that, but then we’re in the open court at half court, and he’s doing that, and they don’t call it. So it’s like—where’s the line being drawn? But the physicality—we preached about it. It’s different.

“You know you’re not getting away with any of that in the regular season—zero percent chance. In the playoffs, there’s a possible chance you can. So let’s try it and see what happens.”

Notably, Edwards took up the responsibility of guarding James in the first round and was noticeably physical in his approach. The 23-year-old even stated during the series that his goal was to be a “pest” to the 40-year-old veteran, knowing how strong and skilled James is. While Edwards managed to push the limits physically on the court, he also reiterated his deep respect for James, calling him a “big brother.”

There is indeed a clear difference in the level of physicality between the regular season and the playoffs—but legends like LeBron James appear to embrace it.

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