Anthony Edwards’ 2021 Quote About LeBron James Resurfaces After Los Angeles Lakers’ Elimination

Back in 2021, LeBron James and the then-defending champion Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Phoenix Suns. James’ critics were loud and proud on social media following the 4-time MVP’s unceremonious exit.

Edwards — who was then still a rookie — came to the defense of James. The Timberwolves star posted a photo of James on his Instagram story with a strong caption chastising James’ haters.

“I’ve never seen so many people be so happy to see an athlete fail more than LeBron. His whole career he’s been hated on constantly and slandered to no end to the point where when he retires nobody would have appreciated his greatness. I will be glad I will be one who did,” Edwards wrote in 2021.

Edwards and the Timberwolves weren’t the ones to eliminate James this postseason. But Edwards is clearly a part of the new guard of players looking to take control of the league. Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, and Jayson Tatum are just some of the young stars who could feasibly reign atop the league this season and going forward.

Nikola Jokic, who is still just 29, was responsible for eliminating James and the Lakers in back-to-back seasons. This year will mark the first time in nearly two decades that none of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, or Stephen Curry will be playing in the second round of the playoffs.

Despite James’ clear mortality of late, Edwards’ words definitely ring true. Instead of lambasting James for falling short, fans may want to just appreciate the 4-time NBA champion while they still can — before Edwards and co. completely take over.