Lakers’ defense of Anthony Edwards has major flaw, according to NBA analyst

Anthony Edwards has been a thorn in the Lakers' side, and Kevin O'Connor points out a key reason why this has been the case.

Lakers’ defense of Anthony Edwards has major flaw, according to NBA analyst

Anthony Edwards

The Minnesota Timberwolves hold a commanding 3-1 lead over the LA Lakers in their first round series. Buoyed by superstar Anthony Edwards, the Wolves’ supporting cast has been clinical in clutch situations. The squad has pulled off back-to-back clutch wins facing Luka Doncic and LeBron James and deserves its flowers. However, the Lakers have, for their part, also made life easier for head coach Chris Finch.

One of the key tricks that the Lakers have missed is their decision not to trap Edwards in the pick-and-roll. Although the 23-year-old has shown that he can be a facilitator this year, he is quite far from a finished product in this regard. Edwards often makes suboptimal decisions when put under pressure. The Lakers have forced the ball out of his hands during late-game drives, but not as a focused strategy.

It is unclear whether their head coach JJ Redick has consciously asked them not to double-team Edwards. However, in theory, it does seem like a strategy that could be tried to keep the ball out of his hands. Yahoo NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor put out a segment lamenting this decision. Speaking to Marcus Morris, the former Ringer writer explained why not double-teaming Anthony Edwards has cost the Lakers.

Finch has outcoached Redick in this series. Anthony Edwards is not facing any doubles, that’s true statistically. He’s had 70 isolations in this series, he’s faced zero double-teams. Zero doubles, in 70 attempts!

Kevin O’Connor and Marcus Morris discussed JJ Redick’s coaching tactics

I’m watching the game, I study the game. I could be coaching some of these goddamn teams. It’s no way you’re allowing Anthony Edwards to not see a double-team. What are you waiting for?

Marcus Morris vigorously affirmed this notion and said

Has Anthony Edwards played better than Luka Doncic and LeBron James?

Going strictly by the statistics, Luka Doncic has been the most unstoppable offensive player in this series. He is averaging 30.8 points per game – a figure that rises to 35.3 ppg when you account for his stomach bug in game 3. However, Doncic has also clearly been a liability on the defensive end. The Wolves have made it a point to try and get the ball to Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards when he guards either of them.

LeBron James, meanwhile, has been awesome during the past two games despite Lakers losses. The King was in his element during game 3, which he top-scored in with 38 points. He also had a great outing in game 4, attacking the bucket and putting the Wolves frontline in foul trouble. However, the 40-year-old hasn’t had the motor that set him apart from other NBA stars during his prime.

James has looked lethargic and shorn of energy during those key moments late in the game. This was especially true in game 4, when he scored no points and looked completely passive in the fourth. His passivity caused the Lakers’ offense to lose steam in both games. Although James was still a massive factor on defense, the Lakers’ roster needs him to be offensively gregarious to win games.

Anthony Edwards had been marked out by Magic Johnson as the biggest mismatch during the series. After two subpar outings in games 1 and 2, Edwards has risen to look like the best player. His 43-point haul in game 4 was pivotal in helping the Wolves overcome a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Edwards will look to keep the foot on the gas and lead Minnesota to a 4-1 series win tonight.

Also Read: