Luka Doncic and the Lakers are 12-4 to begin the 2025-26 season. Los Angeles is 8-2 over its last 10 and has won four consecutive games.
On Tuesday, the Lakers will technically be on the road despite playing their cross-town rivals, the Clippers. In their win on Sunday vs. the Jazz, starting center Deandre Ayton exited the game early due to a knee contusion. On Monday, the Lakers signed big man Drew Timme to a two-way contract. ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted that Timme can appear in 40 games for Los Angeles this season unless they sign him to a standard deal.
Drew Timme could play a backup role for Los Angeles if Deandre Ayton misses extended time
The Lakers will be allowed to put Timme on the active roster for 40 games. https://t.co/OfnNXYlWpk
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) November 25, 2025
In the 2024 NBA draft, Drew Timme did not hear his name called. However, the 25-year-old did not let that stop him. Timme spent time with the Kings’ G League affiliate in 2024-25 before he was signed to the Nets’ active roster late in the year. Drew Timme played in nine games and made two starts for Brooklyn. He averaged 12.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
For the 2025-26 season, Drew Timme has been a member of the South Bay Lakers. In six games with the Lakers’ G League affiliate, Timme is averaging 25.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. Additionally, the Lakers said Drew Timme was a standout at practice when LeBron did some rehab work with South Bay.
🎥: Drew Timme | A Throwback Big
Any mention of Timme’s Strengths as a player-
Starts & Ends w/ his Tremendous Skill, Footwork, & Touch in The Post.
Learn More about the Lakers’ Newest Two-Way Signing.
🔗: Full Strengths & Weaknesses Film Breakdown-https://t.co/koMshsAoLP pic.twitter.com/Cd58Jbwe9s
— Lakers Legacy (@LakersLegacyPod) November 25, 2025
That was enough for the Lakers to sign Drew Timme to a two-way contract. ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted that Timme can appear in 40 games for Los Angeles this season. Normally, two-way players can appear in 50 games. However, Los Angeles has already played 16 games in 2025-26. Drew Timme would have to be signed to a standard deal this year to play more than 40 games for the Lakers.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that the Lakers are preparing for life without Deandre Ayton for the “immediate future.” He said the team is confident Drew Timme can be a solid backup for the Lakers. Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber will be ahead of Timme on the depth chart. Drew Timme could still see a large role for Los Angeles if Anyton misses time. Expect to see Timme on the active roster Tuesday night with Deandre Ayton already ruled out.
