In a move that’s already generating buzz among NBA fans, the Los Angeles Lakers are making a savvy addition to their roster by promoting Drew Timme, a 6’10” center with a decorated college resume, to a two-way contract. According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Timme—whose NBA experience includes a stint with the Brooklyn Nets—will join the Lakers from their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. This signing comes at a time when LA is looking to shake up their depth, particularly in the frontcourt, and it could prove to be an absolute steal for a team chasing championship contention.
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Timme’s journey to the NBA has been anything but straightforward, but his talent has never been in question. During his four-year collegiate career at Gonzaga University, the big man established himself as one of the most dominant players in college basketball. He earned three All-American honors and was named the West Coast Conference (WCC) Player of the Year twice. Averaging impressive numbers across his tenure, Timme showcased a versatile skill set that included post scoring, rebounding, and playmaking—skills that made him a nightmare matchup for opponents. Despite his accolades, Timme surprisingly went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft, a decision that left many scouts scratching their heads.
From there, Timme’s professional path took him through the G League, where he continued to hone his game. In the 2023-24 season, he suited up for the Wisconsin Herd, the Milwaukee Bucks’ affiliate, and showed early promise before a fractured left foot sidelined him in February 2024. Undeterred, Timme kicked off the 2024-25 campaign with the Stockton Kings, Sacramento’s G League team, but was traded mid-season to the Long Island Nets, Brooklyn’s affiliate. His strong performances there earned him a multi-year contract with the Brooklyn Nets in March 2025.
Timme’s brief NBA exposure came during that 2024-25 season with the struggling Nets. In nine games, he averaged 12.1 points on 44.1% shooting from the field and 62.5% from the free-throw line, along with 7.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. While the sample size was small, his efficiency and all-around contributions hinted at his potential to be a reliable rotation piece. However, Brooklyn waived him in October 2025, opening the door for his latest opportunity with the Lakers’ South Bay affiliate.
This season, Timme has been nothing short of dominant in the G League Tip-Off Tournament. Across four games with South Bay, the 25-year-old has averaged a scorching 28.3 points on 48.1% field goal shooting and 76.2% from the charity stripe, complemented by 6.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per night. These numbers underscore his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, making him an ideal fit for a Lakers team that could use more size and versatility off the bench.
To make room for Timme on a two-way deal, the Lakers will need to part ways with one of their current two-way players, as all three slots are filled. Guard Nick Smith Jr. has impressed with his NBA-caliber potential, making him a likely keeper. That leaves center Christian Koloko or shooting guard Chris Manon as the probable candidates for waiver, per Siegel’s report. As a two-way signee, Timme will split time between the Lakers and South Bay, with eligibility for up to 50 games at the NBA level before potentially earning a full roster spot.
This move represents a low-risk, high-reward gamble for Los Angeles. Timme’s college pedigree, combined with his recent G League explosion and NBA flashes, could provide the depth boost the Lakers need amid a competitive Western Conference. If he translates his skills to the big stage, this could go down as one of the shrewdest under-the-radar signings of the season. Lakers fans, get ready—Drew Timme might just be the hidden gem that helps propel LA back to glory.