“Luka knew it” – Lakers fans react as the Knicks’ $220,441,984 All-Star returns from a one-game ‘personal’ absence to face LeBron James and the Lakers.
Karl-Anthony Towns is set to play against the LA Lakers on Thursday as the New York Knicks visit Crypto.com Arena. Towns had missed Tuesday’s matchup against the Golden State Warriors due to personal reasons. His return has sparked reactions from Lakers fans, especially after Luka Doncic’s recent comments following Sunday’s game against the Clippers.
“I think so,” Doncic said when asked whether players rest to prepare for Lakers matchups. “I didn’t believe it before, but they say if somebody is out a long time, then they play against the Lakers … So I think that’s normal [now].”
Despite not being injured, the $220,441,984 star’s absence raised eyebrows, with Lakers fans pointing out a recurring pattern of players sitting out games only to return against LeBron James and the Lakers.
Reporter Dan Woike even joked about it, writing:
“Luka knew it!”
Fans on social media echoed similar sentiments:
- “They say Lakers fans delusional tho.”
- “People don’t believe us when we say dudes will miss games just to rest up for the Lakers or will return from injury just in time. We are everybody’s Game 7.”
- “Karl-Anthony Towns (Game 7) available to play on Thursday.”
Some speculation also linked Towns’ absence to a tweet from his girlfriend, Jordyn Woods, who posted “F**k cancer” on Tuesday. Neither Towns nor Woods has provided further details.
Regardless of the reason, the Knicks will be relieved to have Towns back for their matchup against the Lakers, who are currently on a seven-game winning streak and among the hottest teams in the NBA. With Luka Doncic and LeBron James playing at their best and Austin Reaves possibly returning after missing two games, Towns’ presence could be crucial for this highly anticipated showdown.
