The confrontation with Anthony Edwards was “competitive in nature”

After what felt like an eternity, the Los Angeles Lakers were back in action on Tuesday to kick off the 2024-25 season against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In what was considered a hard-fought duel, Anthony Davis set the tone by applying pressure for 48 minutes.

LA would gain a convincing double-digit lead in the second half, but it began to fade in the fourth quarter. Minnesota cut the deficit to four thanks to Anthony Edwards getting going from behind the arc. However, Davis responded accordingly with timely mid-range jump shots and scored with his back to the basket.

One notable play was when Davis hit a double on Edwards and the two exchanged words. Given that they both competed in an Olympic race together last summer, it was surprising to see such a confrontation.

But the Lakers big man spoke about it after the game, saying there was no malicious intent behind it and even revealed something Edwards told him during their time with Team USA over the summer.

“That’s my type. I have the one-and-one personality and am just competitive. When we came back to the Olympics we talked about it and he said we were the team he hated the most because we wouldn't let him play. We let him pass the ball. And I punched him and yelled at him, and that's just brotherly love. That's my type. We call each other “twin,” call each other the same, and stuff like that. So it was nothing serious.”

Ultimately, players want to win every single game, regardless of the circumstances. Since LA hasn't won an opening game since 2016, it was refreshing to see a dominant performance from the purple and gold that resulted in a 110-103 win.

Despite a few gaffes in the second half, Davis' 36 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks were crucial in keeping the Timberwolves at bay. Edwards is now the No. 1 option for his team and the Lakers have done a good job forcing him to take tough shots.

The next meeting between the two teams is December 2nd in Minnesota and as Edwards knows, he will have that game in mind when he plays Davis again.

Anthony Davis focused on 'being dominant in every game'

Now more than ever, the Lakers need Anthony Davis as their first option as LeBron James enters his 22nd season. With that in mind, Davis is focused on “being dominant in every game,” and that attitude was on display on opening night.

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