Drew Timme's Lakers Rise: From Undrafted to NBA Contributor

The journey to the NBA is rarely a straight line, and for few is this truer than for Drew Timme. After a collegiate career at Gonzaga that cemented him as one of the most beloved and dominant players in recent memory, Timme faced the humbling reality of going undrafted in 2023. Yet, through sheer grit, an undeniable skillset, and a relentless work ethic, he has steadily carved out a significant role for himself with the Los Angeles Lakers, embodying the spirit of an NBA grinder who refused to give up on his dreams.

From Gonzaga Star to NBA Aspirant: The Undrafted Path

During his time with the Gonzaga Bulldogs, Drew Timme was a household name among college basketball fans. Known for his exquisite footwork, crafty post moves, and an infectious on-court personality, he led the Zags to national prominence, including a National Championship appearance. Many expected his unique brand of basketball to translate to the professional level, even if scouts questioned his modern NBA fit.

However, the 2023 NBA Draft came and went without Timme's name being called. This setback, while undoubtedly disappointing, only fueled his resolve. Instead of fading away, Timme embraced the arduous path through the NBA G League, a crucial proving ground for aspiring professionals. His journey began with an Exhibit 10 deal with the Milwaukee Bucks in August 2023, leading him to their G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, for his rookie campaign. While his impact wasn't immediate, he continued to hone his game. The following season, in 2024-25, he found another opportunity with the Sacramento Kings' G League team, the Stockton Kings. During the Tip-Off Tournament, Timme showcased his developing all-around game, averaging 11.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, while shooting an efficient 52.3% from the field in 14 appearances.

This persistence eventually paid off handsomely. In 2025, Drew Timme officially earned a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, solidifying his presence in the league and setting the stage for his NBA rise.

Lakers Opportunity: Carving a Niche in the Purple and Gold

With the Lakers, Drew Timme has transitioned from a dominant collegiate scorer to a valuable frontcourt contributor at the professional level. His two-way contract allowed him to split time between the Lakers and their G League affiliate, offering consistent playing time and development opportunities. He quickly became a reliable depth option, particularly in the demanding Western Conference.

His role truly began to expand during injury-hit stretches for the Lakers in the 2025-26 season. When veteran stars like LeBron James or other key frontcourt players were sidelined, Timme was given more opportunities to step up. In a notable 2026 matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, he even earned a starting nod, leading the team in scoring early on and demonstrating his readiness for increased responsibility. While he may not yet be a full-time starter, Timme has shown flashes of strong production when given minutes, including stat lines of 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists with efficient shooting. His ability to contribute immediately when called upon highlights his high basketball IQ and preparedness.

Furthermore, Timme's impressive performances haven't been limited to spot NBA minutes. Earlier in 2026, he recorded a career-best G League/NBA performance, dropping an impressive 25 points, grabbing 8 rebounds, and dishing out 5 assists. These robust numbers underscore his potential to be more than just a depth piece, signaling his capability to make a consistent impact at the highest level.

The Timme vs. Holmgren Dynamic: A Tale of Two Trajectories

One of the most compelling narratives surrounding Drew Timme involves his connection with fellow Gonzaga alumnus, Chet Holmgren. Their paths to the NBA couldn't have been more contrasting, yet they both originated from the same dominant college program:

Gonzaga Teammates: Both players shared the court for the Bulldogs, forming a formidable frontcourt duo that terrorized opponents.
Divergent Draft Paths: Holmgren was a top NBA draft pick, heralded as a future star, while Timme embarked on the challenging undrafted route.
NBA Rivalry and Reunion: They've now faced each other in the NBA, adding a competitive and emotional twist to their college bond. Holmgren has rapidly developed into an NBA All-Star and a cornerstone for the Oklahoma City Thunder, while Timme is still proving himself and fighting for his place.

These matchups are more than just games; they highlight the contrasting career trajectories—the elite prospect versus the hard-working grinder. For fans who followed their Gonzaga careers, seeing them compete at the NBA level is a testament to both their talents and the different ways players can achieve their professional dreams. It's a storyline that adds significant intrigue to Timme's journey, reminding us that there's more than one way to make it in the league. For a deeper dive into their unique connection, explore Timme vs. Holmgren: Gonzaga Teammates' Contrasting NBA Paths.

Drew Timme's Unique Skillset: Old-School Game, Modern Impact

In an NBA increasingly dominated by three-point shooting and positionless basketball, Drew Timme brings a refreshing, almost throwback, style of play. His strengths are a testament to fundamental basketball:

Elite Post Scoring and Footwork: Timme's arsenal of post moves, pivots, and fakes is among the best in the league for a player his size. He can score efficiently with either hand over either shoulder.
Mid-Range Touch: While the league has shied away from the mid-range, Timme possesses a soft touch from 10-15 feet, making him a versatile scoring threat from various spots on the floor.
High Basketball IQ: He understands spacing, reads defenses well, and makes smart passes out of the post, often creating opportunities for teammates.
Physical Inside Presence: Timme isn't afraid of contact and can finish through defenders, bringing a much-needed physicality to the Lakers' frontcourt.

While his old-school approach has proven effective, there are areas where Timme continues to refine his game to ensure long-term consistency in the modern NBA:

Defense Against Elite Bigs: Guarding more athletic, stretch-fours, or powerful centers consistently for a full game remains a challenge he's actively working to overcome. Improving his lateral quickness and defensive positioning will be key.
Three-Point Consistency: Adding a more reliable three-point shot, especially from the corners, would unlock new dimensions to his offensive game and make him even more valuable as a stretch big in certain lineups.

Despite these areas for growth, Timme's unique skillset provides invaluable scoring off the bench and a different look for the Lakers. His ability to punish smaller defenders in the post and his efficient scoring touch make him a valuable asset. To understand how his game perfectly complements today's NBA benches, read Drew Timme: Old-School Post Game Thriving on the Lakers Bench.

Beyond the Court: Personal Life, Injuries, and Future Outlook

As of 2026, Drew Timme has largely kept his personal life private, focusing intently on his burgeoning NBA career. There is no publicly confirmed information about a wife, and he appears dedicated to his professional development on and off the court. This focused approach is often crucial for players navigating the demanding NBA landscape.

Health-wise, Timme has been fortunate. There have been no major reported injuries for him during the 2025-26 NBA season, which is a significant advantage for any young player looking to establish themselves. His consistent availability has allowed him to seize opportunities when the Lakers' roster has been depleted due to injuries to other key players, proving his reliability. When stars like LeBron James have missed time, Timme has often been among those stepping up to fill the void.

Looking ahead, Drew Timme's NBA future remains promising. His consistent development, coupled with his unique skill set and high basketball IQ, suggests he can evolve into a consistent rotation player for the Lakers or another NBA team. If he can continue to improve defensively and expand his offensive range, particularly by adding a more consistent three-point shot, his value will only increase. His journey is a testament to perseverance, proving that an undrafted label is merely a starting point, not a ceiling.