Drew Timme’s Emergence Gives Lakers a Spark Off the Bench
LOS ANGELES - When the Lakers signed Drew Timme to a two-way contract back in November, it didn’t exactly shake up the NBA landscape. But a couple of months later, with L.A. searching for answers and stability in their second unit, Timme’s name is starting to carry a little more weight - especially with head coach JJ Redick giving him an expanded role in recent games.
For most of the season, the Lakers leaned into a one-big lineup, typically anchored by Deandre Ayton or Jaxson Hayes. Maxi Kleber has seen some rotational minutes, but nothing consistent.
That’s changed recently, with Redick experimenting more with two-big lineups - and Timme has been right in the middle of that shift. He’s often paired with Ayton or Jarred Vanderbilt to open the second and fourth quarters, giving the Lakers a different look and a bit of a spark.
The key with Timme? Versatility.
He’s not just a traditional big who camps out in the paint. What’s made him stand out is his ability to make plays from the perimeter - a skill that’s been sharpened during his time with South Bay in the G League.
That developmental time wasn’t just about staying in shape. It was about expanding his game, especially as a decision-maker outside the paint.
“It’s a huge credit to Zach [Guthrie] and all the guys at South Bay,” Timme said after the Lakers’ recent win over the Raptors. “They’ve challenged me to add that [playmaking] to my game and be more of a decision-maker on the perimeter.”
Timme’s been putting those lessons to work. His first real extended run came during the Lakers’ loss to the Trail Blazers on January 17, and while the team didn’t come out on top, he made the most of his minutes - dropping a season-high 21 points, along with two boards, four assists, and a pair of steals in just over 29 minutes. That performance didn’t go unnoticed.
A few nights later in Denver, he followed it up with an efficient nine-point outing in a gutsy road win over the defending champs. He hit 4-of-6 from the field and even knocked down a three - a sign that his confidence is growing.
That confidence, though, is still a work in progress - at least if you ask Redick.
Before the Lakers’ matchup with the Clippers, Redick shared a lighthearted moment that said a lot about Timme’s mindset and how much trust the coaching staff is starting to place in him.
“We drew up an ATO for him to be in the post,” Redick said. “And I told him, ‘Here’s your first look, here’s your second look.’
And he says to me, ‘Well, what if neither guy is open?’ And I’m like, ‘You’re in the post, go to f**king work.
I put the ball in your hands for a reason.’”
That’s the kind of belief that can change a player’s trajectory.
Of course, there’s still a ceiling on how much Timme can contribute this season. As a two-way player, he’s limited in the number of games he can appear in, and unless the Lakers convert his deal to a standard contract, he won’t be eligible for the playoffs. That decision likely won’t come until after the trade deadline - but Timme is making a strong case to stick around.
He’s not just filling minutes. He’s giving the Lakers something they’ve lacked: a big who can facilitate, stretch the floor a bit, and keep the offense moving without needing to dominate touches. And in a season where L.A. has struggled to find consistent production from the bench, that’s no small thing.
Timme knows the importance of staying ready. “You just gotta be ready whenever your number is called,” he said.
“It’s awesome that both teams are so connected. It helps me be prepared for moments like this.”
For now, the Lakers are getting a glimpse of what Timme can bring - and it’s more than just hustle and energy. It’s poise, playmaking, and a fresh wrinkle in a frontcourt that’s still trying to find its best version.