Anthony Edwards (Image source Getty Images)

The Minnesota Timberwolves lost Game 2 against the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals playoffs series. With this loss, Minnesota has dropped two straight games and is now trailing 0-2 against Dallas. Anthony Edwards, the star player for Minnesota, did not perform well in his last three games. He only shot 29.8% over the last three games, which is the worst performance in any three-game span of his career.

In addition, Edwards also faced some health issues during the fourth quarter of game 2. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin revealed that the 22-year-old Minnesota player was seen wearing an oxygen mask during that period

“During the time Anthony Edwards was checked out of the game, from 7:53 to 5:31 remaining in the 4th Q, The Wolves guard put on a face mask to receive oxygen in the tunnel by the Minnesota bench.” McMenamin posted on his social media account on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Edwards Struggled in the Two Games Against the Mavs

Luka Doncic, the star player of Maverics, hit a 3-pointer in the game’s final seconds, helping the team take a 2-0 lead. However. Edwards struggled throughout the game. He scored 21 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out seven assists.

Although this is lower than his regular season scoring average, his assist and rebound numbers are above average. In the first game, Edwards faced several challenges. Despite only making 6 of 16 shots, he finished with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists.

Edwards needs to address his current issues promptly. Doncic is leading the Mavericks and consistently delivers outstanding performances, showcasing his skills to the NBA fans, which is why he is known as one of the top players in the world.

Anthony Edwards averaged 27.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in 13 playoff games in 2024, while he averaged 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 79 games during the regular season.

The 22-year-old star player has been dominant throughout the season, showcasing his potential by defeating the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, during the conference semifinals. Due to his skills, some NBA analysts have compared him to the legendary player Michael Jordan.

Lakers Rumors: Exciting New Landing Spot Emerges for D’Angelo Russell

D’Angelo Russell (Image source Getty Images)
According to recent reports by Eric Pincus, an NBA insider for Bleacher Report, the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, and Atlanta Hawks discussed a three-team deal earlier in the season. The proposed deal involved sending D’Angelo Russell to Brooklyn and Dejounte Murray to Los Angeles. Pincus mentioned that the Nets are in discussions with the Lakers regarding Russell.

“Multiple sources say that before trading for Dennis Schröder, the Brooklyn Nets were in talks with the Lakers for Russell (with L.A. getting Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks). That negotiation died between the Lakers and Hawks, but the Nets still need a starting-caliber guard.” Pincus wrote.

Spurs Have No Interest in Adding Russell to Their Roster

He also stated that the San Antonio Spurs have no interest in adding Russell to their roster. If no other team is willing to take Russell, then the Lakers are his only option.

“The most recent intel suggests the San Antonio Spurs aren’t interested. If Russell can’t get a viable offer from the Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Toronto Raptors, or Utah Jazz, he’s wholly reliant on the Lakers for his payday. It just takes one, but multiple NBA sources question who would be willing to pay Russell if the Magic aren’t,” Pincus added.

Russell played 76 games for the Lakers this season, averaging 18.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. He shot 45.6% from the field, 41.5% from beyond the arc, and 82.8% from the free-throw line. The Lakers believe that trading Russell is the best option for improving their roster for the next season of the NBA. If he chooses not to return to the Lakers, they may work with him to find a new team, as losing him for free would be poor asset management.