Lakers rule out Deandre Ayton, sign Drew Timme to 2-way deal
Lakers Bolster Frontcourt with G League Standout Drew Timme Amid Ayton Injury
The Los Angeles Lakers are navigating an early-season challenge to their frontcourt rotation, announcing Monday the signing of 6-foot-10 forward Drew Timme to a two-way contract. The move comes as the team braces for an indefinite absence of starting center Deandre Ayton, who sustained a right knee contusion during Sunday’s 108-106 victory over the Utah Jazz.
From Gonzaga Glory to the NBA Grind
Timme, a name familiar to college basketball fans, arrives in Los Angeles after a winding path through the professional ranks. The 25-year-old was a dominant force at Gonzaga University, earning two West Coast Conference Player of the Year awards and finishing as the program’s all-time leading scorer with an impressive 2,307 points across four seasons. Despite his collegiate success, Timme went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft.
His journey since then has been one of perseverance. He initially signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, participating in their training camp before landing with the G League’s Wisconsin Herd. A mid-season move to the Brooklyn Nets in March offered a brief taste of NBA action, where he averaged 12.1 points and 7.2 rebounds in nine games, even earning a couple of starting nods.
South Bay Success Paves the Way
Most recently, Timme has been showcasing his skills with the South Bay Lakers, the Lakers’ G League affiliate. He’s been averaging a robust 25.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, consistently impressing coaches and teammates. Notably, Timme has had opportunities to practice alongside LeBron James during the superstar’s recent rehabilitation assignment with South Bay, reportedly making a strong impression.
“Drew’s a scorer, plain and simple,” said one Lakers staff member, speaking on condition of anonymity. “He knows how to get his shot, and he’s got a feel for the game. He’s been working hard, and he’s ready to contribute if given the chance.”
Navigating the Two-Way Contract Landscape
The Lakers created a roster spot for Timme by waiving center Christian Koloko. Two-way contracts allow players to split time between the NBA team and their G League affiliate. Players on these contracts earn a pro-rated NBA salary while on the NBA roster and a G League salary while assigned to the G League team. This system provides teams with roster flexibility and allows them to develop young talent.
The use of two-way contracts has become increasingly prevalent across the NBA. According to data from the NBA, the league saw a significant increase in two-way contract usage in recent seasons, with teams utilizing these contracts to evaluate potential long-term assets and address short-term needs. In the 2023-24 season, teams were allowed to carry up to three two-way players, a testament to the league’s commitment to player development and roster flexibility.
The Broader Impact of NBA Injuries and Roster Management
Ayton’s injury underscores the constant challenge NBA teams face in managing player health and maintaining roster depth. Injuries are an unavoidable part of the game, and teams must be prepared to adapt. The Lakers, currently 10-9, are hoping Timme can provide a valuable boost off the bench while Ayton recovers. The team is already without key players due to injury, making roster stability even more crucial.
The global sports market is estimated to be worth over $624 billion in 2024, according to Statista, highlighting the immense financial stakes involved in player performance and team success. Every roster decision, from signing a two-way player to managing a star’s injury, has significant implications for a team’s bottom line and championship aspirations.
The Lakers will need Timme to provide immediate energy and rebounding as they prepare for a tough stretch of games, including a Tuesday night matchup against the LA Clippers. Whether Timme can translate his G League success to the NBA remains to be seen, but the Lakers are banking on his potential to help fill the void left by Ayton’s absence.
ARTICOL ORIGINAL:
The Los Angeles Lakers added a new big man Monday just as the team is preparing to be without starting center Deandre Ayton for the immediate future.
Ayton, who exited L.A.’s 108-106 win over the Utah Jazz on Sunday and did not return because of a right knee contusion, has been ruled out of Tuesday’s game against the LA Clippers, the team announced.
Earlier Monday evening, the Lakers signed 6-foot-10 big man Drew Timme to a two-way contract, his agents Deddrick Faison and Rich Gray told ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Timme had averaged 25.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists this season for L.A.’s G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, and has been a standout during practices — including when LeBron James was on a rehabilitation assignment with South Bay, sources told ESPN.
Timme signed with the Brooklyn Nets in March after playing for the G League’s Stockton Kings. He averaged 12.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists in nine games to close out the season with Brooklyn, making two starts.
The 25-year-old was a college standout as a two-time West Coast Conference Player of the Year and Gonzaga’s all-time leading scorer with 2,307 points in four seasons.
Timme went undrafted in 2023 and got his start as a professional playing for the G League’s Wisconsin Herd in 2023-24 after signing an Exhibit 10 deal with the Milwaukee Bucks to join their training camp.
The Lakers waived center Christian Koloko to create the two-way vacancy for Timme, sources told ESPN.