Timberwolves Star Anthony Edwards Exits Game 1 vs Lakers with Apparent Injury

Alex Kirschenbaum | Apr 19, 2025

Feb 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts after being ejected during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images / Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

All-NBA Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Anthony Edwards fell while contesting a shot late into the third quarter of his team's ongoing Game 1 playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Grimacing, Edwards clutched his calf in clear pain.

More Los Angeles Lakers News: Lakers' Unorthodox Defense is a Problem

He quickly departed the contest and headed straight for the visitors' locker room, visibly limping.

Anthony Edwards hobbled to the locker room after landing awkwardly & injuring his calf.

Get well soon, Ant! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/n5FpSvKadO

— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) April 20, 2025

In 27 minutes, Edwards currently has 17 points on 6-of-16 shooting from the floor (3-of-5 from distance) and 2-of-2 shooting from the charity stripe, six assists, five rebounds, and a steal.

More Los Angeles Lakers News: Lakers' JJ Redick Ties Pat Riley Feat With Historic First Season

After falling behind in the first quarter, 28-21, Minnesota took control of the game in the subsequent two frames.

Now, the Timberwolves lead Los Angeles by a commanding 16 points at the end of the third quarter, 94-78. The lead would have felt more insurmountable for the Lakers had it not been for a buzzer-beating Luka Doncic triple.

LUKA FROM HALFCOURT TO END THE THIRD 🎯 pic.twitter.com/QiBDhPJJVU

— ESPN (@espn) April 20, 2025

Losing their best two-way player would be a dangerous blow for Minnesota under normal circumstances, but this game is looking borderline out-of-hand. Still, it remains to be seen if this ailment will impact Edwards' availability for the rest of the series, or even the rest of this game.

UPDATE:

Per ESPN's Shams Charania, Edwards is struggling with a cramp, and got treatment in the locker room prior to the start of the fourth quarter.

Minnesota's Anthony Edwards is dealing with a cramp and receiving treatment in the locker room, per sources. Lakers-Timberwolves fourth quarter next on ABC.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 20, 2025

Edwards has returned to the court, while wearing a protective wrap on his right calf.

The game's ABC broadcast intially reported that Edwards would be officially questionable to return to the contest — mere seconds before he re-entered the game and nailed a fadeway midrange jumper.

Los Angeles has capitalized on Edwards' extended absence, cutting Minnesota's lead to just 12, 98-86, a massive improvement from the Timberwolves' 27-point edge during the third quarter.

The Lakers can still mount an improbable comeback late, especially if Edwards is at all limited down the home stretch of the matchup.

More Los Angeles Lakers News: 

Pau Gasol Sent Special Message to Lakers' Luka Doncic After Epic Return to Dallas

Western Conference Executive Compares Lakers' Austin Reaves to Undrafted Hall of Famer

Los Angeles Insider Walks Back Criticism of Bronny James with Honest Admission

Lakers Linked to $100 Million Blazers Star as Summer Trade Target

For the latest Los Angeles Lakers news and notes, stay glued to Los Angeles Lakers On SI.