The Minnesota Timberwolves can benefit in many ways if LeBron James decides to sign with them in the near future. A natural spot at power forward and his playing style would immediately make him an on-court success in Minnesota, but his biggest impact could be off the court as he takes Anthony Edwards under his wing.
Edwards has experienced a lot during his time with the Timberwolves over his six seasons, including leading Minnesota to back-to-back Western Conference finals appearances. While the Wolves will go as far as their star will take them, there are still things he can learn from James to become a better leader.
Anthony Edwards can become a better leader learning from LeBron James
The Wolves know that Edwards is their franchise player, and that won’t change if James comes to Minnesota. But while he’s had plenty of success, there have been times where his maturity has gotten him into trouble.
The issues began after the Wolves were eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 Western Conference Finals. After suffering a gentleman’s sweep for the second straight year, Edwards didn’t show any concern for a wasted opportunity, citing his age as a reason he’ll have plenty of opportunities in the future.
“I’m not hurting. I’m 23,” Edwards said. “I’m gonna have a lot more opportunities to do this. I’m more disappointed for Mike [Conley] because I feel like I came up short for him. But for myself, I’m not hurting. ‘Hurting’ is a negative way to look at it. We tried to get to the finals last year, we tried to get there this year, we didn’t. We’re gonna try again next year.”
While Edwards’s comments may have come off as a positive spin in his mind, it came off as a nonchalant response to failing to capture an NBA title.
It also served as a prelude to last season where multiple events caused firestorms, including screaming at Chris Finch after a game-winning shot against the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 26 and refusing to take accountability after a 27-point loss against the Orlando Magic on March 7.
“I don’t know, man, I wish I had an answer for you,” Edwards told the media after the Magic loss. “I don’t got an answer, but I don’t want to say it. So I don’t know.”
Edwards may have been trying to protect his teammates in that situation, but it came off as throwing them under the bus. The same thing happened in the final game of the season, when he walked over to the San Antonio Spurs bench with over eight minutes remaining in a Game 6 loss and later defended it saying it was easier to get the handshakes over with than doing it after the game was over.
None of these make Edwards a detriment to the Wolves’ odds of winning an NBA championship. But they are things that he can improve upon to help Minnesota get there. And that’s where adding James can benefit.
James would demand instant respect in a locker room filled with players 26 years old and younger. Without a doubt, Edwards would be wise to follow his lead. As someone who has been a superstar before he walked onto an NBA court, James could also show Edwards how to handle different situations both on and off the court.
There’s also the chance James can guide Edwards into the next stage of his career. Entering his mid-20s, Edwards can learn how to preserve his body while maintaining his explosive style of play, and that could keep him playing impactful basketball as he starts to get older.
But most importantly, James has been where Edwards wants to go. He's a four-time NBA champion who not only understands the grind of the playoffs but also the regular season, where the Wolves have become lackadaisical before turning it on when the playoffs arrive.
It’s another reason why Wolves fans are holding onto the pipe dream that is James coming to Minnesota. But if it helps Edwards find another gear off the court, it would be worth fantasizing about.
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