The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a shorthanded 132-116 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night where Drew Timme made the most of his first real chance since signing a two-way contract in late November. The 6’9 big man was dominating the G League, but he only appeared in six NBA games. He was limited to garbage time in those, but the Lakers needed someone with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, Jaxson Hayes, and Adou Thiero out. Timme was the guy.
The 25-year-old had 14 points in his first 12 minutes on the floor against the Blazers. He made six of eight field goals to get there and looked like the absolute bucket fans know. He wasn't done there. The Lakers' defensive woes are well-documented, which makes playing an undersized big man even more challenging. Los Angeles still can't let him go after what he showed in Portland.
The Lakers must remake their roster around Luka Doncic if they want to be a serious title contender. It will take more depth and talent to make that a reality. LA should be looking for anyone capable of helping them win. Having Timme coming off the bench is a boost.
Drew Timme earned his place on the Lakers in his first real chance to play
Timme showed flashes late last season with the Brooklyn Nets. He averaged 12.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 28.2 minutes per game over nine contests. Fans saw his ability to score and put up numbers. It helped him earn a chance with the Lakers, despite his defensive limitations.
Timme got promoted to a two-way contract thanks to his G League dominance. Through 12 games with the South Bay Lakers, he averaged 24.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.0 steal in 30.6 minutes per contest. Timme has made over 52 percent of his field goal attempts and proved ready for another NBA shot.
He played just 17 NBA minutes this season before Saturday night, but got 29 against the Blazers. Timme finished with 21 points, two rebounds, four assists, and two steals. He did commit four fouls, but the whistle didn’t stop sounding in Portland.
Still, the Lakers have to know his limitations. Timme is never going to be a lockdown defender. He is undersized and not an elite NBA athlete. Timme will struggle on that end of the floor, but teams must score to win. The 6’9 forward is just entering his prime and keeps proving he can get buckets against anyone.
The Lakers were 29th in the NBA in bench points coming into Saturday’s game. They averaged just 15.7 per game, and Timme got more than that by himself against the Blazers. Los Angeles needs more scoring punch in their second unit, especially with Austin Reaves out. Timme can provide that boost if given consistent run.
He is on a two-way contract, which limits the number of NBA games he can play. Credit to coach Redick for using him. There was a ton of mixing and matching for the shorthanded Lakers. That made it even more impressive to see Timme getting buckets in Portland.
The Los Angeles Lakers finally gave Drew Timme a shot in the rotation, and he kept getting buckets just like he has been in the G League. He doesn’t fit the traditional mold, but Timme has an elite skill. The 6’9 forward is a professional scorer, and the Lakers shouldn’t let him go as he enters his prime.