Timberwolves Eliminate Lakers, Advance to Playoffs Semifinals

Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the NBA playoffs, winning the series 4-1 with a decisive 103-96 victory in Game 5. Despite struggling with his shot in the final game, Edwards contributed across the board and was instrumental throughout the series, establishing himself as a rising star by averaging nearly 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. After the win, Edwards celebrated by taking a victory lap outside Crypto.com Arena, where he playfully taunted Lakers fans and referenced doubters who had predicted a Lakers win. The Timberwolves consistently outperformed the favored Lakers in clutch moments, closing out both Games 4 and 5 with strong finishes. Edwards also showed respect for LeBron James, calling him the best player in the world, but remained confident and outspoken about his team's success. The Timberwolves now advance to face either the Warriors or the Rockets in the Western Conference semifinals.