Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards debuted his latest Adidas signature shoe with a tongue‑in‑cheek commercial that took playful jabs at LeBron James, Jaylen Brown and new teammate LaMelo Ball, sparking buzz across social media on Sept. 17.
On Thursday, Sept. 17, Anthony Edwards unveiled the commercial for his newest Adidas signature shoe, turning the launch into a comedy sketch that lampooned several NBA peers. The 25‑year‑old Timberwolves forward morphs into the host of a mock TV show called “Minnatlantasota,” complete with a DJ, laugh track and a swagger‑filled opening line: “We old school, we ain’t going to play it safe.” (USA Today, Sept. 17, 2026)
Edwards’ first target was LeBron James, the 41‑year‑old who spent the 2024 Paris Olympics alongside the Timberwolves star before signing with the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason. The ad quips, “You see where big dog ended up? He was gonna join me in Minnesota, but I guess his knees couldn’t handle the cold weather,” followed by a jab at James’ receding hairline and a tongue‑in‑cheek claim that Philly’s barbers would give him “some of the best enhancements.” (USA Today, Sept. 17, 2026)
The roast continued with a swipe at Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, referencing his recent move to Philadelphia and teasing the duo’s locker‑room banter. Edwards then turned to LaMelo Ball, his new backcourt partner after Ball’s July trade from the Hornets to Minnesota. He recalled Ball’s February car accident in Charlotte, saying, “I’m excited about my road dog… but one thing we ain’t doing is carpooling if he driving. I ain’t riding with him ya’ll.” (USA Today, Sept. 17, 2026)
Beyond the jokes, the two‑minute‑plus spot serves as the official launch of the Anthony Edwards 3 sneaker, slated to hit stores on Sept. 18. The ad blends humor with product promotion, reinforcing Edwards’ growing brand presence while giving fans a glimpse of his confident, on‑court persona.
Fans and analysts alike noted the ad’s blend of self‑promotion and light‑hearted rivalry, a strategy that aligns with Edwards’ reputation for swagger and marketability. As the Timberwolves eye a deeper playoff run, the commercial underscores the star’s off‑court influence and the growing partnership between NBA talent and major apparel sponsors.