Copyright espn
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers have had some memorable matchups in recent years -- and Anthony Edwards is usually in the middle of the moments people remember most. Even though the Timberwolves star was sidelined with a hamstring strain for Wednesday's meeting between the two Western Conference teams, he still managed to make an impact from the bench. The Lakers also had marquee players in street clothes, with LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent all inactive. As a result, the team rolled out a less familiar starting five -- including forward Jake LaRavia in his second straight start. Drafted 19th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2022, a three-team deal in February sent him to the Sacramento Kings before he landed a two-year deal with the Lakers in July. On Wednesday, LaRavia's 17-point third quarter tied his career high for any quarter. He had a key moment early in the fourth, hitting a three to put the Lakers up 105-89 -- and catching Edwards' attention. Timberwolves fans noticed, too. Audio from the FanDuel Sports Network broadcast picked up a Wolves fan yelling, "Who is number 12?" Edwards threw his hands in the air and shouted back, "That's what I'm saying! I don't know!" LaRavia finished the Lakers' 116-115 win -- sealed by an Austin Reaves game-winner -- with 27 points and eight rebounds, becoming the first Lakers player with at least 25 points on 90% shooting in a game since Pau Gasol in 2010, per ESPN Research. On Thursday afternoon, LaRavia further leaned into the bit with an Instagram post that used Edwards' exchange with the fan as his caption, adding a shrug emoji. View this post on Instagram Safe to say Wednesday's game won't be the last time No. 12 gets noticed.
