Why Drew Timme Has Changed the Lakers’ Rotation
The Los Angeles Lakers have quietly found value in an unexpected place, as Drew Timme continues to make the most of his opportunity on a two-way contract.
Over the last few games, Timme has gone from a deep-rotation option to a player earning real minutes, and his production is starting to demand attention.
In the Lakers’ recent win over the Denver Nuggets, Timme played just 11 minutes but made them count. He finished with 9 points and 3 rebounds, shooting 4-of-6 from the field, knocking down his lone three-point attempt, and posting a +5 plus-minus. Against one of the league’s top teams, Timme’s efficiency stood out immediately.
Drew Timme checks in then immediately hits a three, an And-1, and a layup
BRO IS A BUCKET 😭 pic.twitter.com/dWf7aB5U0j
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) January 21, 2026
That performance was not an outlier. Just two games earlier, Timme exploded for 21 points on 9-of-12 shooting against the Portland Trail Blazers, showing what he can do when given extended run.
Since entering the rotation more consistently, he has averaged 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists per game, providing steady production off the bench.
Drew Timme’s History
Timme’s journey makes his emergence even more interesting. He is a legend at Gonzaga Bulldogs, where he played all four years and became one of the most accomplished players in program history.
Now 25 years old, Timme is still a relatively inexperienced NBA player because of that full college career. What he lacks in NBA tenure, however, he makes up for with polish, confidence, and feel for the game.
How He Fits With the Lakers
What separates Timme from the Lakers’ other big men is his offensive versatility. He has the ability to stretch the floor, forcing defenses to respect him beyond the paint, which opens space for LeBron James and the rest of the offense.
In addition, Timme brings legitimate passing vision out of the post, consistently finding cutters and shooters when defenses collapse on him.
Look at how Drew Timme seals out both Jamal Murray and Bruce Brown on this LeBron drive.
Feel like I haven’t seen Lakers bigs do this much on drives for the perimeter players this year, but it’s a huge value add. Not just the scoring stuff with him, IMO. Little things add up. pic.twitter.com/vAysSQf3N6
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) January 21, 2026
That skill set has translated to lineup success. Over the last three games, combinations featuring Marcus Smart, LeBron, and the size of Timme alongside Deandre Ayton and Jarred Vanderbilt have been particularly effective.
Those bigger lineups have held up defensively while giving the Lakers more offensive flexibility, something the team has searched for all season.
Timme’s impact goes beyond box scores. He plays within the flow of the offense, makes quick decisions, and understands spacing, traits that often take young NBA players years to develop. His college experience shows up in the little things, even as he continues adjusting to the speed and physicality of the league.
While his role is still evolving, Drew Timme has made a compelling case for continued minutes. If this level of efficiency and lineup impact continues, the Lakers may have found more than just a short-term two-way contributor. They may have found a reliable rotation piece who fits exactly what this team needs right now.
