Anthony Edwards Talks Challenge of Eliminating LeBron James, Lakers Playoff Matchup

Minnesota Timberwolves star guard Anthony Edwards has never shied away from competition, so it's no surprise that he's hyped for his postseason matchup against the greatest player of his generation.

As the Timberwolves prepare to face the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the playoffs, Edwards told reporters that he's relishing the chance to battle with Lakers star forward LeBron James over a seven-game series.

"It means a lot to match up against him, man. Probably goes down as the greatest player to ever play basketball," Edwards said. "Trying to get putting him out of the playoffs under my belt is going to be a tough one, but it’s going to be a fun road."

The Lakers and Timberwolves faced each other four times during the regular season and split the series 2-2. In their most recent meeting on Feb. 27, Los Angeles earned a 111-102 win after James dropped 33 points, 17 rebounds and six assists in a throwback performance. Edwards was limited to 18 points in the loss.

Still, the 23-year-old is regarded as one of the fastest-rising young stars in the NBA today. He famously led the Timberwolves in a four-game sweep against his idol Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs last year.

He also helped Minnesota upset the Denver Nuggets in seven games in the conference semifinals, which ended the Nuggets' chance to repeat as NBA champions.

It won't be an easy task to get past the Lakers, as James has an exciting new running mate in star guard Luka Dončić, who led the Dallas Mavericks past Edwards and the Timberwolves in five games in last year's Western Conference Finals. The two teams will open the series in Los Angeles on Saturday at 8:30 pm ET on ABC.