Drew Timme Has Unlocked Two-big Lineups For The Lakers

Down nine to start the second quarter in Denver, the team readied to go to the most unproductive bench in the league, scoring-wise. Seizing an opportunity in recent games, two-way center Drew Timme checks in for the Lakers in his new spot in the rotation next to fellow big man Deandre Ayton.

His impact was felt immediately. First, the previous Gonzaga star hits a relocation three off of a pass from LeBron James and follows it up catching a full court dime for the and-one finish, sealing his defender under the basket. 

His entrance not only sparked a run for a massive road win, but unlocked a much-needed two big look that head coach J.J. Redick has been searching for. 

“Just impact the game,” Timme said postgame following a win over the Raptors. “Whether it’s creating mismatches or you’re getting some open shots and just playing hard. I mean, obviously it’d be nice to score 20 points like the other day, but that’s just not realistic. You have to be adaptable and just find a way to make an impact.”

Adapt or die is not only a Darwinian life philosophy, but one for an NBA player hoping to make the jump from G League star to NBA rotation player. Timme arrived in South Bay this season and promptly increased his 3-point volume. He took just 1.2 per night in eight games with the Stockton Kings last season and upped it to five attempts per game in 14 contests with LA.

That confidence continued once it entered into real rotation minutes. Instead of playing Timme at the center spot, Redick has placed him alongside a center, allowing him to be used as a spacing four. This archetype of player originally fell to the 33-year-old Maxi Kleber, who’s clearly unable to fill this position night to night

Timme has quickly shown competence playing this role off the bench. Watch below as Luka Doncic runs the team’s pet “77” action, a double on ball screen. Timme sets the first screen, flips to re-screen, and pops out while Ayon dives to the rim. 

LA has been searching for an offensive punch off the bench, especially without Austin Reaves to help bolster the unit. That includes giving shots to scoring guards Nick Smith Jr. and Kobe Bufkin, fellow South Bay players. 

Timme has even been given the confidence to call his own number, as shown in the clip below. Watch as he gets it in the corner against the smaller Tim Hadaway Jr. The rest of the team clears out as he backs down and scores with a nifty finger roll. 

“The jumbo lineup to start the second quarter has been really impactful for us,” Redick said in a recent postgame. “The thing with that is with [Ayton], you got to make a decision because a lot of teams will put their five on Vando. With [Ayton] he can punish smaller players. Timme can punish smaller players.” 

Those jumbo lineups are normally played next to LeBron James. In a short sample, those three have a +9.3 net rating.

There are two sides of the floor, though, and Timme will never be mistaken with a lock down defender but LA has found interesting ways to make up for his lack of foot speed, implementing more zone defensive schemes with mixed results. 

Where he can help is with rebounding. When Ayton gets switched on the perimeter, as shown in the clip below, Timme has the size to come down and give support on the boards. 

Timme went undrafted after a standout season at Gonzaga and is still on a two-way contract, meaning his games are still limited unless the Lakers convert him into a regular roster spot. These two big lineups might just be his opportunity to prove people wrong. 

“I see it and it’s fuel and, at the end of the day, I’m a good player,” Timme said. “I believe in myself and my abilities and I believe that I can impact the game at any level, anywhere. Just carrying that belief with me helps push me on days where maybe I’m not as motivated, but it’s great to be able to have this opportunity and to be able to help the team, it’s great.”

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