FROM THE ABOVE ARTICLE:

Los Angeles Lakers
Towns might land on the optimistic end of L.A.’s trade budget, but the Lakers might have just enough assets and money-matching salaries to get a deal done. And while he isn’t the lob-crusher many might envision the franchise pairing with Luka Dončić, Towns’ ability to stretch the floor could prove even more beneficial for the Lakers’ stars.

The three-star model has proved a tricky one under the collective bargaining agreement, but a trio of Towns, Dončić and LeBron James might have enough combined star power to pull it off. L.A.’s defense might take a hit, but that may not matter if the offense is pumping in 125-plus points per night.

KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS TO LAKERSLakers receive:-Karl-Anthony TownsKnicks receive:-Rui Hachimura-Jarred Vanderbilt-Maxi Kleber-Gabe Vincent-2031 Unprotected First Round Pick-2026 First Round Pick Swap-2028 First Round Pick Swap https://t.co/sFm3p3pIc6 pic.twitter.com/Pm4n5Whq0e— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 27, 2025

6'8" 265 🤯No. 1 scorer in college basketball last szn sniper 🎯 Welcome to the Lakers Eric Dixon #Lakeshow pic.twitter.com/y9ywUrKPLI— † (@HoodiHachimura) June 27, 2025

Cool, solid pick up.

Dalton Knecht replacement..

Actually it hard caps you at the 2nd apron, so you are not allowed to go over. The 2nd apron is going to be around 207 mil this year so the Lakers can’t exceed that. We are somewhere around 191 mil. That includes both Lebron and DFS’s options.

I mean…there are like 12 free agents centers out there. Moe Wagner just got waived (non-guaranteed deal), Capella, Hayes, Precious, and many others. No need for a trade, especially if it takes a draft pick. I’d do swaps.

Young, long, and athletic…I’ll never complain about that. I’ll take that over the 9th center picked who might not even be able to contribute for a coupla years…might as well just stick with Jax in that case.

these clips are insane. lmao. pic.twitter.com/x44VTy107E— Darius Soriano (@forumbluegold) June 27, 2025

The Lakers are thrilled right now. Thiero was among their reach targets from the beginning, but they never thought there was a chance. He’ll contribute in spurts early with his defense, and gradually earn more minutes as the jumper develops. Rob Pelinka gets his guy in Round 2.— The Amateur NBA Analyst (@droppingdimes98) June 27, 2025

John Calipari praised ThieroH/T @greenlightbball https://t.co/zmhRSOxYCd pic.twitter.com/xAdYdzZGTk— Washed LakersvsHaters (@notlakersgm) June 27, 2025

Adou Thiero’s pro comparison is Derrick Jones Jr and his ceiling is Jaden McDaniels per @fanspo pic.twitter.com/WToyjuorZo— LakersMuse (@LALMuse) June 27, 2025

With the 36th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers select Adou ThieroDraft Grade: A++++++++++++++++++++++Ranked 11th on my final big board, Adou Thiero is the biggest steal of the draft. An elite gap defender bet with extremely functional athletic tools.STEAL— Utility Sports (@_utilitysports) June 27, 2025

Interesting and falls in line with the “take the best player available” mentality.

I’m sure they do not think he will be available at 45 Tom. Give them a little credit. One article I read had this trade as the first step. They had to start moving up I am sure they are now trying to see if they can move up again using the 45th. If they can’t they will get a better player at 45 then 55.