LeBron James Understands Why Anthony Edwards Doesn’t Want to Be NBA Face: ‘There’s This Weird Energy’.
Lakers star LeBron James has been one of the NBA’s most recognized faces for over 20 years. However, he doesn’t blame rising star Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves for not wanting that title.
“I feel Ant,” James said Thursday night after the Lakers’ 111-102 win over Minnesota at Crypto.com Arena. “I understand. I completely get it. There’s this strange energy attached to it.”
At just 23, Edwards has already become a three-time NBA All-Star and an Olympic gold medalist, playing alongside James on the U.S. national team. While Edwards is typically comfortable in the spotlight, he was recently asked during an All-Star weekend press conference if he views himself as a potential future face of the NBA.
“No,” Edwards responded. “Not really.”
When asked why, he explained, “That’s what they got Wemby for,” referring to San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama.
Later, in an NBA TV interview, Edwards further clarified his stance.
“I’m capable of being that guy, but I don’t want to be that guy,” Edwards said. “Put it like that. I just want to show up, play, dominate, and then go home.”
Channing Frye, a former NBA player who won a title with James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, recently discussed the situation on the “Road Trippin’” podcast, saying, “Nostalgia is killing the NBA.”
“Every great player, whether it’s Ant, Wemby, Bron, or Steph [Curry]—you know who they compare them to? Some guy who played 40 years ago,” Frye said, specifically mentioning Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
“Nobody celebrates the new players, so why would anyone want to be the face of the league when you’re just going to get criticized every day for not being someone from 40 years ago? It’s unfair and ridiculous.”
James responded to Frye’s comments on Thursday.
“Channing Frye said it the other day… Why would you want to be the face of the league when the people who cover our game constantly criticize everyone?” James said. “It’s just weird. It’s strange energy from people that— I don’t know, but Channing said it perfectly. Couldn’t have said it better.”
James continued, reflecting on his own experience with being the face of the league: “Ant said he doesn’t want it. I didn’t ask for it either, but I knew there was a responsibility. It wasn’t just about my family and friends, but anyone who followed my career journey.”
“I’ve always taken that seriously and understood from the start what being a professional and a role model meant, so I’ve carried that with the utmost respect and honor.”