Magic Johnson. Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Magic Johnson shares fear for Lakers' series vs. Timberwolves

By Kevin McCormick | Last updated Apr 18, 2025 1:23 PM ET

Months removed from their blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic, the Los Angeles Lakers are entering the postseason as the No. 3 seed in the West. Though they look poised to contend, one franchise legend has his concerns heading into round one.

To start the postseason, the Lakers find themselves matched up with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Though they went through some growing pains to start the year, they've been one of the NBA's hottest teams in recent months.

Before the postseason action officially gets underway, Lakers icon Magic Johnson shared his thoughts on the series. Even though LA is one of the top seeds in the West, he still has his doubts. Magic's biggest fear heading into this matchup is how tough of a defensive assignment Anthony Edwards is.

I’m scared for my Lakers because the game’s most exciting player, superstar Anthony Edwards, is a matchup problem.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 18, 2025

With Karl-Anthony Towns being traded last offseason, Edwards is now the sole homegrown building block for the Timberwolves. He's taken this in stride, putting together arguably his best season in the pros. During the regular season, the former No. 1 pick averaged 27.6 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 4.5 APG and 1.2 SPG.

Magic has every right to be worried about Edwards, as he's become one of the toughest players in the league to defend. When he first got to the NBA, he was primarily a downhill threat who could rise over anyone for a monstrous dunk. This season, he's shown he's much more than that.

Like most stars of today's era, Edwards has added the three-point shot to his arsenal. He shot a career-best 39.5% from beyond the arc in the regular season while attempting 10 threes a game. Defenders now have to commit to him farther out, opening the floor for him to create more driving lanes.

Seeing that they have a plethora of big wings on the roster, the Lakers have the personnel to slow Edwards down to some degree. Containing him offensively will be crucial as they attempt to advance to the Western Conference semifinals.

Kevin McCormick

Kevin McCormick is a basketball writer for Yardbarker with years of experience in the journalism field. Based out of Philadelphia, he graduated from Holy Family University with a degree in Sports Management in 2019. Since then, Kevin has gone on to build a career in sports writing

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