Carmelo Anthony praises Anthony Edwards for going at LeBron James: “Not everybody wants that type of action”

The Minnesota Timberwolves are on the brink of eliminating the Los Angeles Lakers, and Anthony Edwards is the engine driving them there. With Minnesota up 3–1 in the series and Game 5 looming in L.A. on Wednesday night, Edwards’ playoff performance has become the talk of the league. And when a legend like Carmelo Anthony takes notice, people listen. On Monday, April 29, during his “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast, Melo offered glowing praise that highlighted just how rare Edwards’ mindset is.

Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast, Carmelo Anthony didn’t hold back when discussing Anthony Edwards’ approach in these playoffs. Melo made it clear that Anthony Edwards has something you can’t teach.

“It’s a different mentality. Not everybody has that mentality,” Carmelo said. “Not everybody wants that type of action. I’m guarding Luka. I’m guarding Bron. If I’m one of them I have to guard one of them. I have to be one of them.”
That mindset of daring to go head-to-head with the league’s biggest names is what Melo believes separates Edwards from most young stars. During this series against the Lakers, Edwards has embraced the challenge of facing LeBron James. He is attacking confidently and refusing to shy away from the spotlight. His willingness to step into the fire, especially against all-time greats, is what’s resonating with so many veteran players and fans alike.
“He’s here,” Melo continued. “He’s figured it out. It’s hard to figure it out at a young age like that. That early in your career, it’s hard to figure it out. He’s figured out how to go get it.”
That go-get-it mentality has shown in Edwards’ poise and growth. In Game 4 on Sunday night at the Target Center in Minneapolis, he dropped 43 points in a statement performance that pushed the Wolves to a 3–1 lead. But what stood out most wasn’t just the scoring. It was how he let the game come to him.
Unlike last year, when he sometimes forced plays and leaned too heavily on his scoring, Edwards is now making smarter reads. When the Lakers double or switch up coverages, he adapts. Sometimes he scores. Other times, he draws defenders and finds the open man. That trust in teammates is a key part of what’s elevated Minnesota this season. His basketball IQ is clearly growing, and it’s making him even more dangerous.
That maturity, paired with his relentless drive and athletic gifts, has turned Edwards into the kind of star who can shift a franchise’s future. He’s evolving right before our eyes.
Hearing Melo, a 10-time All-Star who knows what it takes to thrive under playoff pressure, speak so highly of Edwards shows what many fans are already sensing. Something special is happening.
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Edwards still has work to do. The Timberwolves need one more win to advance, and every playoff veteran knows that closing out a series is never easy. Game 5 in Los Angeles will be a test. But with Anthony Edwards leading the charge and with veterans like Carmelo Anthony recognizing his growth, it’s clear the 23-year-old star is not just ready for the moment. He is built for it.