From Michael Jordan’s Ferrari collection to LeBron James’ custom Lamborghinis, NBA stars have long been synonymous with luxury automobiles that match their larger-than-life personas. But what happens when your height makes even the most coveted sports cars feel like a cramped economy airline seat? The former Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns recently shared his refreshingly practical take on car ownership, challenging the flashy automotive culture prevalent among NBA elites.

In the latest episode of the ‘Club Shay Shay‘ podcast, the host Shannon Sharpe had asked Towns about his most favorite possessions. The 28-year-old went on to mention his Xbox and watch collection, but when he was asked if he was a car guy, the young center said something that no one could have imagined. “I’m seven foot. What car am I getting in? I told my friends, I said it’s crazy. I worked so hard in my life to get the finances that I have and now when I got it, I can’t get everything… I know Shaq pulled off the custom Lambo. I ain’t pulling that off, so I’m going to stick to my little SUV and I’m good,” said Towns during the podcast. But which one of Shaquille O’Neal’s cars was Towns talking about?

The car was a stretched Lamborghini Gallardo. According to the 7 Footers book ‘Shaq Uncut: My Story‘, the Los Angeles Lakers veteran had always wanted a Gallardo but couldn’t get one because of his stature. But Big Diesel was determined to own one. So he went on to buy not one but two Gallardo’s, which he then sent to the Gaffoligo family, who were famous for their aerospace and automobile metalwork. They joined both the cars to make an extra wheelbase Lamborghini. However, even though Shaq would fit in the car, he was not satisfied with its look and ended up selling it. Surprisingly, the whole customization process had cost him $600,000.

The young center doesn’t mention why he wouldn’t be able to pull off a car like Shaq but it can be speculated the 28-year-old is not ready to make such a big investment right now, moreover not on something that would not be visually appealing. As the league continues to evolve, Towns’ practical approach to vehicle selection might inspire other players to prioritize comfort and functionality over status symbols. However, did you know about the car that Towns drives?

The car that Karl Anthony Towns drives

The talented center who has just been traded to the New York Knicks has a deep connection with his car. The car is a Maybach GLS600 SUV which he bought back in 2021 and the sole reason for buying that car was to give a tribute to his late mother.

The feature of the car is that Town’s mother, Jacqueline Towns’ signature, is embroidered into the headrests on the seats. “There’s a lot of adjectives you could use for emotions but for me, I just know when people ask me how you’re doing, it’s a day-by-day thing,” said Towns about his mother’s death in a YouTube interview. It was revealed that the young center lost his mother in 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. She was 59 years old at the time of her death.

Although Towns was also affected by the virus, he quickly recovered thanks to the isolation measures. The car serves as a constant reminder of the love and support he received from his mother, even after her passing.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.