Drew Timme discussed his unexpected start for the Los Angeles Lakers following a string of injuries in Tuesday’s 123-87 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. “It was great. I’m not going to lie. I was like really excited. Probably a little too excited, you know, starting for the Los Angeles Lakers. Like, it’s pretty cool,” Timme said.
Timme credited his on-court chemistry with Luke Kennard, noting it developed naturally despite limited experience together. “I honestly just think it was all natural. We both understand the game and spacing and stuff and happen to be working really well together early, just creating offense for everybody,” he explained.
On handling the Lakers’ recent injury challenges, Timme emphasized the team’s need to compete regardless of personnel. “Essentially, like we got to battle, no matter who we have or don’t have. We have to play hard. We have to compete. I mean, we’re the Lakers. Like there’s a standard, and we got to try our best and meet that every day,” he said.
Timme reflected on adjusting to new responsibilities, including bringing the ball up as a point forward. “Lu Dort is known as one of the best defenders in the game. It’s quite the compliment that they had to pick me up full court. Coach Zach and South Bay’s really been putting that on my plate to play point guard and bring the ball up a lot,” he noted.
He also addressed coach JJ Redick’s early timeouts and lineup changes. “He’s a coach. He does whatever he thinks fits and calls timeout whenever he wants and addresses whatever. So just him being him,” Timme said.
Playing alongside Deandre Ayton and other Lakers big men provided Timme with an opportunity to expand his versatility. “Getting to play more, like four one through four, especially with playing alongside DA, is something that I like doing, usually amplify but like just doing whatever’s asked of me. That’s all I try to do,” he shared.
Timme remained grounded despite the Lakers’ struggles, with Oklahoma City sweeping the season series and posting their sixth straight victory. “Everyone has a job to do, and we just show up and do what we’re told. That’s the name of the game,” he said.
