Drew Timme Talks Playing with 'GOAT' LeBron James in G League, Lakers Contract

After starring for the South Bay Lakers in the G League, former Gonzaga star Drew Timme is getting his shot at the next level.

The Los Angeles Lakers announced on Tuesday that they've signed Timme to a two-way contract.

Per ESPN's Dave McMenamin, Timme averaged 25.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists during his time in South Bay this season. McMenamin reported that sources described him as "a standout during practices -- including when LeBron James was on a rehabilitation assignment with South Bay."

The Lakers needed to improve their frontcourt depth after starting center Deandre Ayton exited Sunday's 108-106 win over the Utah Jazz after suffering a right knee contusion and didn't return. The team later announced that he was ruled out for Tuesday night's game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

A two-time West Coast Conference Player of the Year and Gonzaga's all-time leading scorer, Timme went undrafted in 2023, but that didn't stop him from pursuing his professional goals. He started his career with the G League's Wisconsin Herd in 2023-24 after signing a training camp deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. He played for the Stockton Kings last season before signing with the Brooklyn Nets in March, averaging 12.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists in nine games with two starts toward the end of the year.

The Lakers are riding a four-game win streak into Tuesday's matchup against the Clippers, so they will surely be looking to keep the momentum going as they try to establish supremacy in the Pacific Division.