The Los Angeles Lakers made headlines on Monday morning when they announced that Drew Timme would be called up to the main roster on a two-way contract.
The former Gonzaga legend was traded to the South Bay Lakers earlier this season, igniting a potential and rapid rise under head coach JJ Redick.
The acquisition immediately excited Lakers fans, who know the kind of player Timme can be. However, this move might’ve been more calculated than it initially appeared.
The Athletic’s Dan Woike reported that rumors of LeBron James’ influence over the decision have only grown since the news became public.
Rumors about the Lakers interest in Timme have really picked up steam since James’ time with South Bay. Lakers waiving Christian Koloko to create the spot https://t.co/PVJUFZbu0z
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) November 25, 2025
James had spent nearly a week with the South Bay Lakers as part of his sciatica rehab. During that stretch, he practiced with members of the roster and ran five-on-five games to rebuild his conditioning and rhythm.
Timme has proven time and time again, both in the G League and in his brief NBA moments, that he can score at will and provide a steady interior presence with the ball in his hands. In six games with South Bay, he is averaging 25.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals on 51.5% shooting from the field.
If the rumors turn out to be true, Timme may have received the biggest co-sign of his career from James himself. To make room for him, the Lakers waived big man Christian Koloko, who appeared in just two early games on the main roster. Koloko also spent two contests in the G League, where he averaged 8.5 points and 8.5 rebounds across 26 minutes.
Perhaps the Lakers pushed to sign Timme strictly because of their current big-man situation. Deandre Ayton has flourished as the starting center, while Jaxson Hayes has handled the majority of the backup minutes at the five. On nights when Ayton isn’t available and Hayes is elevated to the starting lineup, L.A. Typically leans into small-ball looks to compensate for their lack of depth.
Timme can only remain on the main roster for 40 games under the terms of his two-way deal, meaning the Lakers won’t be able to keep him active for the full season. Still, he should be in line for legitimate opportunities should Los Angeles find itself thin due to injuries at any point down the stretch.
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