Reports: Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns expected to return vs. Lakers

New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns is expected to return to the lineup on Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers, according to multiple reports.

Towns missed the Knicks' game against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday due to personal reasons. Without the All-Star big man, the Knicks lost 114-102.

He has missed seven games this season, and the Knicks have gone an underwhelming 3-4 in those contests. When he plays, they are an impressive 37-17.

Towns is in the middle of an excellent debut season with the Knicks, averaging 24.5 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 1.0 steals on an efficient 53.0/42.5/83.6 shooting split.

The Knicks will need their superstar on Thursday, as they take on the Lakers, who are 7-2 with Luka Doncic.

--Field Level Media