The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a crucial offseason with one major need at the forefront: a dominant center. As the front office evaluates its options to bolster the roster, the market appears both limited and highly competitive. Among the few high-caliber players that could potentially be moved, one name has surfaced that could drastically alter the Lakers’ future — Karl-Anthony Towns.
Lakers’ Center Conundrum
The Lakers’ 2024-25 campaign ended in disappointment, with clear gaps in the lineup — particularly at the center position. While Anthony Davis has anchored the paint for several seasons, his frequent injuries and preference to play power forward have left the team seeking a more traditional big man to absorb defensive and rebounding responsibilities.
With Mo Bamba no longer on the roster and Jaxson Hayes showing flashes but not consistency, the Lakers are reportedly prioritizing the acquisition of a reliable, star-level center. However, cap space and limited trade assets pose significant hurdles.
A Surprising Trade Target Emerges
According to recent reports by Pro Football Sports Network (PFSN), the Lakers are being considered a potential landing spot for Karl-Anthony Towns. Towns, who has been linked to trade rumors over the past year, is currently under contract with the New York Knicks — a team that surprisingly landed him after a blockbuster deal with the Timberwolves in early 2025.
Since joining the Knicks, Towns has continued to showcase his All-NBA talent with his scoring, three-point shooting, and rebounding. But with the Knicks also needing to balance their own cap sheet and roster depth, a trade may not be off the table if the right deal is presented.
Why Towns Makes Sense for the Lakers
At 6’11” and with a versatile offensive skill set, Karl-Anthony Towns fits well with the Lakers’ current roster. His ability to stretch the floor complements Anthony Davis and LeBron James, allowing for more spacing and offensive flexibility.
Towns averaged 22.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in the 2024-25 season while shooting nearly 39% from three-point range. His offensive production could take pressure off both Davis and LeBron, giving the Lakers another reliable scoring option — especially during playoff crunch time.
Defensively, Towns has improved over the years, although he isn’t known as a rim protector. With the right scheme and support from Davis, his defensive liabilities can be minimized.
Financial Implications: The $220 Million Gamble
One of the biggest hurdles in acquiring Towns is his massive contract. Towns is currently in the second year of a four-year, $220 million supermax deal, which makes the financial logistics of the trade complex. The Lakers would need to match salaries and likely part ways with key rotation players, draft picks, or even one of their rising stars.
Potential trade packages could include players like D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, or even future first-round picks. The question is: will the Lakers be willing to sacrifice depth for star power?
What the Lakers Must Consider
Before pulling the trigger on a Towns deal, the Lakers need to consider several factors:
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LeBron James’ Timeline: LeBron is entering the twilight of his career. Pairing him with another All-Star may be the final push to secure another championship before his retirement.
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Anthony Davis’ Fit: Davis has historically preferred playing the 4 rather than center. Bringing in Towns allows Davis to play in his preferred position full-time, possibly preserving his health.
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Salary Cap Constraints: The Lakers will be pressed up against the luxury tax, and taking on a max deal limits flexibility. This could affect their ability to build a complete roster.
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Team Chemistry: Integrating a high-usage player like Towns mid-way through a roster overhaul could pose risks if not handled correctly.
Knicks’ Perspective: Why Trade Towns?
While the Knicks acquired Towns with high expectations, they’ve struggled to fit him seamlessly into their system. With Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and other core pieces in place, the Knicks might prefer a more defensive-minded big or a deeper bench rather than paying three stars simultaneously.
Offloading Towns could give them financial breathing room and allow them to build a more balanced roster. Acquiring assets like Reaves or future picks could also help them in the long run.
A Risk Worth Taking?
A deal of this magnitude would certainly be bold for the Lakers. Committing to Karl-Anthony Towns and his $220 million contract would mean all-in championship mode for the next two seasons. But with LeBron’s clock ticking and Davis needing support, it could be the kind of gamble that pays off — or backfires spectacularly.
If the front office truly believes that Towns is the missing piece to a title, then now might be the time to act. The window with LeBron won’t stay open forever, and sometimes, big risks lead to big rewards.