What Will a Former Gonzaga Bulldogs Player Bring to the Lakers
The Lakers' acquisition of Deandre Ayton was widely viewed as a foundational move for the post LeBron James era. Currently, Jaxson Hayes currently serving as Ayton’s backup, the natural question becomes: Who steps in if Ayton misses time? The team recently addressed that depth concern by signing Drew Timme, giving Los Angeles another frontcourt option with a very different skill set. Timme excels at low-post scoring, using elite footwork, soft touch, and the ability to finish with either hand. His traditional interior skill set blends surprisingly well with the modern game, particularly in ball screens and short-roll situations where his touch on floaters and push shots, plus his passing ability, fit naturally alongside playmakers like LeBron James and Luka Dončić.
Timme also brings strong court awareness and passing instincts, making him a reliable secondary playmaker. He showcased this in the G League, where he earned a reputation for hustling, cutting effectively, and scoring off rebounds and putbacks. Now on a two-way contract, he provides a smart offensive option off the bench, especially when Ayton or Hayes rest or miss games. Unlike the typical rim-running center archetype, Timme is a post-oriented big man who can generate his own offense. His standout G League production, averaging 25 points, seven rebounds, and four assists with the South Bay Lakers, illustrates how well he can dominate at that level and helped him earn the call-up.
Still, there are key areas where he needs to improve to stay in NBA rotations. Timme needs to strengthen his athleticism, lateral quickness, and defensive presence, especially at the rim. His prolific college career at Gonzaga highlighted his elite offensive efficiency, high IQ, and ability to shoulder a heavy scoring load, but translating that into a lower-usage, role-player position in the NBA is his next challenge. The Lakers’ investment gives him the chance to grow without immediate pressure, allowing him to refine areas such as defensive mobility and shooting. While his three-point shot is still developing and limits lineup flexibility, he continues to work toward expanding that part of his game. Overall, Drew Timme is a skilled, high-IQ offensive big man who adds meaningful depth to the Lakers’ frontcourt. If he can continue progressing defensively and improve his perimeter shooting, he has the tools to become a valuable long-term contributor.
