Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images

Who is Drew Timme? Why the Lakers believe the former Nets standout can help right now

Originally posted on HITC | By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Nov 25, 2025 9:00 AM ET

The former Gonzaga star made noise with the Nets — and now gets another NBA shot in Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the early-season surprises, opening their campaign 12–4 despite LeBron James missing significant time. His imminent return will help address one of the team’s biggest weaknesses — three-point creation — but the front office is also looking elsewhere for reinforcements.

With Deandre Ayton sidelined due to a knee contusion, the Lakers dipped into the G League for depth, signing one of last season’s standout performers with the Brooklyn Nets: Drew Timme. The move comes with Christian Koloko being waived, and Timme could feature as early as the Lakers’ clash with the LA Clippers.

LA Lakers sign ex-Nets standout Drew Timme to a two-way deal

Timme has taken a long — and highly visible — route to earning another NBA opportunity. The 23-year-old built his reputation at Gonzaga, where he starred across four NCAA seasons and became one of college basketball’s most recognisable players. His postseason performances at multiple NCAA tournaments cemented his status as one of the top big men in the country.

Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images

Despite his college pedigree, Timme went undrafted and joined the NBA G League, spending time with the Wisconsin Herd, Stockton Kings and Long Island Nets. His breakout arrived last season with Brooklyn, where he averaged 12.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists on a multi-year contract before being waived in the summer.

He then signed with the South Bay Lakers — the franchise’s G League affiliate — and now steps up to the NBA roster on a two-way contract. Given Ayton’s injury and the need for frontcourt depth, Timme could get immediate minutes.

Lakers hope Timme holds the fort while Ayton recovers

The Lakers will lean on Timme and Jaxson Hayes until Ayton returns, which may be sooner rather than later. The starting center has been a key contributor this season, averaging 15.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 0.9 assists, and the team remains hopeful he won’t miss extended time.

Los Angeles has two more games this week, and there is optimism Ayton could be back as early as Friday against the Dallas Mavericks — the final fixture of their NBA Cup group stage.

Until then, Timme becomes the latest G League success story to earn a shot at the highest level. If he can replicate the energy and production he showed with the Nets, the Lakers may have found a valuable mid-season boost.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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