In a move that’s got the basketball world buzzing, the Los Angeles Lakers are dipping into the well of untapped college royalty. Through their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, they’ve pulled off a savvy trade with the Brooklyn Nets’ NBAGL squad, shipping forward Nate Williams eastward in exchange for the one and only Drew Timme. That’s right—the 25-year-old Gonzaga legend, who etched his name into the record books as the Bulldogs’ all-time leading scorer, is now suiting up in Purple and Gold. Timme heads to the South Bay Lakers, while Williams joins the Long Island Nets. It’s not just a roster shuffle; it’s the Lakers betting on a proven offensive savant who could crash the NBA party if the stars align.
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Timme’s arrival couldn’t come at a better time for a Lakers squad under new head coach JJ Redick, who’s preaching motion, spacing, and high-IQ play. At 6-10 and 235 pounds, Timme brings veteran poise and a bag of tricks honed over four dominant seasons at Gonzaga. Last year with the Nets’ G League team, he flashed NBA glimpses in nine appearances (two starts), averaging 12.1 points and 7.2 rebounds in 28.2 minutes. Those numbers might not scream superstar, but for a depth piece acquired on the cheap, they’re a steal—especially considering Timme went undrafted in 2023 yet clawed his way onto an NBA roster through sheer craftiness.
But let’s rewind to where the “College King” crown was forged: the hallowed halls of Gonzaga University. From 2019 to 2023, Timme wasn’t just a player—he was a program-defining force, leading the Zags to a jaw-dropping 113-12 record over his four years. By the time he hung up his college sneakers, Timme had shattered the school’s 60-year scoring record held by Frank Burgess, amassing a staggering 2,307 points across 134 games. That’s an average of 17.2 points per game on absurd .614 field-goal shooting, with 6.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists to boot.
His stat lines read like a highlight reel of efficiency and dominance:
| Season | Games | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 (FR) | 33 | 20.5 | 9.8 | 5.4 | 1.3 | .618 | Breakout freshman campaign |
| 2020-21 (SO) | 32 | 28.2 | 19.0 | 7.0 | 2.3 | .655 | Consensus All-America Second Team |
| 2021-22 (JR) | 32 | 28.0 | 18.4 | 6.8 | 2.8 | .586 | Consensus All-America Second Team |
| 2022-23 (SR) | 37 | 31.5 | 21.2 | 7.5 | 3.2 | .616 | Consensus All-America First Team; All-Time Scoring Leader |
| Career | 134 | 27.2 | 17.2 | 6.7 | 2.4 | .614 | 2,307 Points; Three-Time All-American |
Timme’s senior year was a masterclass: 21.2 points per game, including a tournament rampage where he set Gonzaga records for NCAA Tournament points (301), field goals (121), free throws (56), and rebounds (110). And don’t sleep on his March Madness magic—in the 2021 tourney, he averaged 20.3 points, 6.5 boards, and 3.7 dimes, delivering one of the all-time great postseason scoring runs. This wasn’t flash; it was footwork wizardry—post fades, pump fakes, and a nose for the rim that drew fouls like clockwork. Timme lived at the free-throw line, converting 63.2% career-wide while bullying defenders with his body control and basketball IQ that’s often compared to a chess grandmaster on the court.
Of course, no prospect is without warts, and Timme’s biggest knock has always been his athleticism. At the combine, scouts whispered about his lack of explosiveness against longer, quicker bigs. He struggled to switch on the perimeter and protect the paint in space—issues that mirror the Lakers’ own defensive headaches. But here’s the glow-up: Timme’s slimmed down since his Zag days, moving with more fluidity and proving he can hang in pro rotations. Undrafted? Sure. But he latched onto the Nets’ summer league squad and earned that G League nod through grit.
Now, in Redick’s system—a symphony of off-ball movement, pick-and-pops, and playmaking bigs—Timme’s skill set sings. His vision (career 2.4 assists) could unlock shooters like Austin Reaves or Gabe Vincent, while his scoring touch provides insurance if injuries hit the frontcourt. The Lakers aren’t rebuilding; they’re contending. But with a deeper bench philosophy under Rob Pelinka, Timme’s the ultimate “what if” weapon—a low-risk lottery ticket who could spell Jaxson Hayes or Christian Wood in a pinch.
Nate Williams, the outgoing piece, showed preseason promise but couldn’t crack the rotation. This trade? It’s Lakers GM savvy at its finest: Depth without dollars, upside without overcommitment. Timme might never average 20 in the NBA, but in a league starved for smart, skilled bigs, he’s the X-factor who could turn a close game into a statement.
The verdict: Watch out, Western Conference. The College King has his scepter back in L.A. If Timme gets that call-up—and Redick’s offense clicks—he won’t just fill a roster spot. He’ll remind everyone why Gonzaga’s record books bow to him. Buckle up, NBA. The legend’s just getting warmed up.