Lakers Add Drew Timme on Two-Way Contract as Deandre Ayton Faces Knee Injury
The Los Angeles Lakers bolstered their frontcourt Monday by signing Drew Timme to a two-way contract, a move made necessary by a right knee contusion sustained by starting center Deandre Ayton. Ayton will miss Tuesday’s game against the LA Clippers, the team announced.
Ayton’s Injury Creates Immediate Need
Ayton exited Sunday’s 108-106 victory over the Utah Jazz and did not return to the game. The injury to Ayton, a key component of the Lakers’ interior defense and offensive rebounding, creates an immediate void in the rotation. The team is evaluating the severity of the contusion, but his absence for Tuesday’s high-profile matchup with the Clippers is confirmed.
Timme’s Journey to the Lakers
Timme, a 6-foot-10 big man, has been steadily developing his game in the G League. This season, playing for the South Bay Lakers, he has averaged an impressive 25.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. His performance in practices has also drawn attention, with sources noting his strong showings even during periods when LeBron James was rehabilitating an injury with the South Bay team.
Prior to joining the Lakers, Timme had a brief stint with the Brooklyn Nets in March, where he averaged 12.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in nine games, earning two starts. He initially entered the professional ranks after going undrafted in 2023, signing an Exhibit 10 deal with the Milwaukee Bucks and playing for their G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, in the 2023-24 season.
College Standout and Roster Move
The 25-year-old Timme is no stranger to success, having established himself as a dominant force in college basketball. He was a two-time West Coast Conference Player of the Year and finished his four-year career at Gonzaga as the program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,307 points.
To create a roster spot for Timme, the Lakers waived center Christian Koloko, according to team sources. This move underscores the Lakers’ commitment to addressing their frontcourt depth in the face of Ayton’s injury.
The addition of Timme provides the Lakers with a versatile big man who has demonstrated the ability to score and rebound at multiple levels. His familiarity with the Lakers’ system, gained through his time with South Bay, could allow for a quick integration into the team’s rotation.
