drew timme

Drew Timme’s Rise: From College Star to NBA G League Standout with Lakers Potential

By [Your Name], Sports Analyst | Updated April 2024

The name Drew Timme may not yet be a household acronym in mainstream NBA circles, but for basketball fans—especially those tuned into the Los Angeles Lakers and the broader NBA ecosystem—his trajectory is one of quiet promise and rising momentum. Recently, Timme has been generating buzz as a potential starter for the Lakers, sparking conversations about his development, role, and future in professional basketball. While official sources have yet to confirm long-term plans, recent reports from trusted outlets like CBS Sports suggest that Drew Timme could be on the cusp of making a significant leap.

This article delves into the verified facts surrounding Drew Timme’s current situation, explores his journey from college phenom to pro, and analyzes what this moment means—not just for him, but for the Lakers’ rotation and the NBA’s evolving approach to player development.

Main Narrative: Why Drew Timme Matters Right Now

On April 12, 2024, CBS Sports reported that Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham had named Drew Timme as the starting center for the team’s upcoming matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. This decision, while not officially confirmed by the Lakers’ front office, marks a pivotal moment in Timme’s young career.

At just 23 years old, Timme is no stranger to high-pressure environments. After leading Gonzaga University to two Elite Eight appearances and earning multiple All-West Coast Conference honors, he was selected by the Lakers with the 38th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Despite being drafted by one of the league’s most storied franchises, Timme initially joined the team’s Summer League before being assigned to the South Bay Lakers, the NBA G League affiliate.

Now, with the regular season winding down and playoff positioning at stake, Timme’s promotion to starter signals trust from both coaching staff and management. For a player who has spent much of his professional life developing behind veterans like Anthony Davis and Jaxson Hayes, this opportunity represents more than just game time—it’s validation of his skill set and adaptability.

“We’ve seen flashes of brilliance,” said one anonymous NBA scout familiar with Timme’s performance. “He doesn’t just shoot threes; he moves without the ball, understands spacing, and has a high basketball IQ. That’s rare for a big man.”

Recent Updates: A Timeline of Development

To understand where Timme stands today, it helps to look at how he got here:

• April 2023: Drafted by the Lakers in the second round (pick 38).
• June 2023: Participates in Summer League with the Lakers, averaging 12.4 points and 5.1 rebounds over five games.
• October 2023: Assigned to the South Bay Lakers in the G League to refine skills and gain experience.
• January 2024: Called up to the NBA roster due to injury to Jaxson Hayes.
• February–March 2024: Plays sparing minutes off the bench, showing improved defense and court awareness.
• April 8, 2024: Named starting center for the first time in an NBA game vs. Phoenix Suns—scored 9 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.
• April 12, 2024: Reported by CBS Sports as slated to start again against OKC Thunder.

While the Lakers organization has not issued an official press release confirming these lineups, multiple credible journalists corroborate the shift in Timme’s role. The move aligns with a broader trend among NBA teams to integrate younger talent earlier in the season, especially when playoff seeding or roster depth becomes critical.

Contextual Background: The Journey from Gonzaga to the NBA

Drew Timme’s path to the NBA wasn’t conventional. Unlike many draftees who come from powerhouse programs with national recognition (think Duke, Kentucky, or North Carolina), Timme played for Gonzaga—a program known more for consistency than championships. Yet, under legendary coach Mark Few, Gonzaga became synonymous with disciplined play, three-point shooting, and underdog resilience.

Timme emerged as the focal point of that system. In his junior year (2022–23), he averaged 18.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, shooting 41% from beyond the arc—an unusual stat line for a 6’11” big man. His ability to stretch the floor forced defenses to respect him outside the paint, opening driving lanes for teammates and creating mismatches in transition.

Despite going undrafted in mock drafts early in his college career, Timme’s stock rose dramatically after a breakout NCAA Tournament run. His poise in clutch moments—like hitting a game-winning three-pointer in the Sweet 16—earned praise from analysts and scouts alike.

His NBA draft position surprised some, but the Lakers saw potential. General Manager Rob Pelinka emphasized Timme’s “intelligence, work ethic, and modern skill set” during pre-draft interviews. Since then, the organization has treated him as a project with upside, much like how they developed players such as Austin Reaves or Max Christie.

Immediate Effects: What This Means for the Lakers and NBA

The temporary elevation of Drew Timme to starter isn’t just a roster shuffle—it’s a strategic signal.

For the Lakers, giving Timme meaningful minutes helps evaluate his fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis in a shortened playoff race. If Timme can maintain efficiency and limit turnovers, he might earn a permanent spot in the rotation next season. Conversely, if performance dips, it won’t hurt the Lakers’ win-loss record significantly—but it will inform decisions about their frontcourt depth.

From a league-wide perspective, Timme represents a new breed of big man: mobile, skilled, and comfortable handling the ball. As the NBA continues to prioritize pace and spacing, traditional post-up centers are being phased out in favor of versatile forwards and centers who can shoot from distance and switch defensively.

Timme fits that mold perfectly. At 6’11”, he’s taller than most guards yet quick enough to guard smaller opponents. His passing ability (averaging 3.2 APG in college) suggests he could serve as a hub in pick-and-roll situations—a role currently filled by Draymond Green or Nikola Jokić.

Moreover, Timme’s success would validate the Lakers’ investment in developmental pathways beyond first-round picks. By nurturing rookies through the G League and Summer League, teams like LA are building sustainable pipelines rather than relying solely on lottery selections.

Future Outlook: Can Drew Timme Become a Franchise Player?

So what comes next for Drew Timme?

If he maintains or improves upon his current production—particularly in defensive rebounding and free-throw shooting (he shot 78% FT in college)—he could solidify himself as a reliable backup center or even a rotational piece in future seasons. Scouts note his “high motor” and willingness to learn, traits often overlooked in favor of raw athleticism.

However, challenges remain. The NBA game is faster and more physical than college. Opposing centers will test his strength in the post, and fatigue may impact his effectiveness over 82 games. Additionally, competition within the Lakers’ frontcourt remains fierce—Davis is under contract through 2026, and Hayes offers similar size with proven NBA experience.

Still, Timme’s trajectory mirrors that of other late-second-rounders who found success through grit and versatility: think Robert Williams III (who played behind Al Horford and Enes Kanter before becoming a Defensive Player of the Year candidate).

Looking ahead, the Lakers may choose to extend Timme’s rookie contract (assuming he earns it) or explore trade scenarios involving him for a more established veteran. But given his age and skill profile, keeping him long-term makes sense—especially if he shows growth in areas like help defense and transition offense.

Conclusion: A Rising Star with Room to Grow

Drew Timme’s journey from Gonzaga sharpshooter to potential NBA starter encapsulates the changing face of basketball. In an era where size alone no longer guarantees dominance, Timme brings intelligence, range, and adaptability—qualities that could redefine how teams value big men.

While his starting role appears situational rather than permanent, the message is clear: the Lakers believe in his potential. And for fans watching closely, every rebound, assist, and made three-pointer counts