Drew Timme discussed physicality, shooting development and the difficulty of guarding Victor Wembanyama after the Los Angeles Lakers fell 136-108 to the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night at crypto.com Arena. The Gonzaga product scored 14 points off the bench as the short-handed roster tried to slow one of the Western Conference’s top teams.
The big man said the difference between halves stood out most from a player’s perspective. “I think the second half we definitely picked up our physicality and in defense and I think that definitely helped a lot,” Timme said. “I think the first half they were kind of just getting that freedom of movement especially Wemby.”
San Antonio’s star scored 37 of his season high-tying 40 points before halftime, forcing Los Angeles into reactive coverages. “We did a little bit better physicality wise and did a better job, you know, containing the ball,” Timme added, noting that the team tried to respond to the early deficit.
The forward emphasized that games with depleted lineups can be difficult to evaluate. “Obviously, like coach said, like it’s tough in the game like that to take pauses away, but I mean, I think we answered a little bit of the challenge,” he said.
Timme also addressed his expanding offensive range after knocking down perimeter shots this season. “I’ve been working so hard on that for the past six years, really trying to add that to my game,” he said, explaining that spacing has become essential in today’s NBA.
He credited coaches and teammates for encouraging him to keep shooting. “It helps, you know, when you look to the bench and JJ and the coaches are encouraging me to shoot it… when I’m in South Bay, Zach and them are really encouraging me,” Timme said. “If you don’t believe it’s going to go in, it’s not definitely not going in.”
Facing Wembanyama up close left a clear impression on the Lakers big man. “He makes me feel like a normal-sized dude,” Timme said. “To have that size, coordination, athleticism… he’s really one of a kind.”
The former collegiate star also praised new teammate Kobe Bufkin, highlighting his growth after earning a new opportunity in the rotation. “I’m surprised that he was around for so long… he’s a heck of a player,” Timme said, pointing to the guard’s scoring, playmaking and defense.
Reflecting on his own evolution, Timme described adapting to league trends. “Obviously it’s adapt or die, you know, it’s Darwinism,” he said, explaining how the NBA’s shift toward three-point shooting shaped his offseason training.
San Antonio’s victory pushed its winning streak to five games and strengthened its position near the top of the Western Conference standings, while Los Angeles dropped its second straight and will host Dallas next. Timme said continued work remains the priority, adding that his shooting progress is “in a good spot right now” as he focuses on consistency.
