Los Angeles Lakers two-way big man Drew Timme made the most of an unexpected opportunity on Saturday, stepping into the rotation because of injuries to Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes.
With the frontcourt short-handed, Timme delivered the best performance of his young NBA career, scoring a career-high 21 points while shooting an efficient 9-of-12 from the field, as reported by Janis Carr of The Orange County Register.
Head coach JJ Redick suggested after the game that Lakers reserve big man has earned a longer look, indicating he is likely to remain part of the rotation moving forward as long as his level of play remains consistent.
For the Lakers, Timme’s production provided much-needed stability and energy in the paint during a stretch plagued by injuries.
At 25 years old, the player’s path to the NBA has been anything but conventional. Despite a standout college career at Gonzaga, he went undrafted in 2023 and didn’t sign his first NBA contract until March 28, 2025.
That journey has shaped his mindset, turning skepticism into motivation.
“In college and since I’ve left, it’s been you can’t do this, you can’t do that, you’re not good enough for this and that. All these things that I can’t do. And I see it, and it’s fuel,” Timme said.
“At the end of the day, I’m a good player. I believe in myself and my abilities, and I believe that I can impact the game at any level, anywhere. To be able to have this opportunity and to be able to help the team, it’s great.”
Pacific Notes: Reaves, Timme, Wiggins, Warriors, Ellis https://t.co/NBWK0IBtrN pic.twitter.com/lRBTYCl0t0
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 21, 2026
