The Knicks star can expect trash talk from former teammate in the game against Bulls

New York Knicks All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns will have one opponent in particular in his Wednesday night game against the Chicago Bulls.

Knicks: Bulls’ Zach Lavine eyes Karl-Anthony Towns

Towns’ former teammate Zach LaVine understands the value the Kentucky product brings to the Knicks. The two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion has taken note of the stellar early season Towns is putting on in New York and is adamant about dishing out some trash talk when the two take the floor.

According to KC Johnson of Chicago Sports Network: LaVine had this to say about his approach leading up to the upcoming match (h/t Joey Linn of Chicago Bulls on SI):

“Zach LaVine on facing the new Knicks with Karl-Anthony Towns: ‘He’s giving them a lot of offense. Hopefully I can say some shit to him and throw him off his game. Say some old words to him, see if that makes him miss a few 3s,’” Johnson posted on X on Tuesday morning.

Towns’ strong play calls for diversionary tactics

LaVine has reason to talk to Towns about this affair. Towns connects on a ridiculous 53.7 percent of his looks from three-point range. He ranks No. 7 in the NBA in that department. He’s also putting up a strong 24.9 points and 12.3 rebounds per night in marginal MVP fashion, despite his assists per game (2.3 APG) lagging on the campaign.

It will take a lot for the Bulls to slow him down, as the former 2015 No. 1 overall pick has done much of his dirty work against the best defensive big men in the league, including Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat) and Myles Turner ( Indiana Pacers).

LaVine will bring his own 22.5 PPG, 5.1 RPG and 3.1 3PM on 41.7 percent connection from long distance to the big city slugfest along with his speech. The Knicks, led by Towns and fellow All-Star Jalen Brunson, will attempt to calm down the two-time All-Star shooting guard and his Bulls team as they look to get above .500 this year.