Drew Timme’s basketball journey has always been one to watch, but as the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 8, 2026, his story takes on new urgency. For the first time this season, Timme is set to start an NBA game—a milestone for the 25-year-old whose path from Gonzaga stardom to the Lakers’ rotation has been anything but ordinary.
It’s a moment shaped by both circumstance and preparation. The Lakers, beset by injuries to key contributors like Luka Dončić (Grade 2 left hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (Grade 2 left oblique injury), are shuffling their roster. This reshuffling has left a temporary void in the frontcourt, and Timme, who has been quietly grinding away in the margins, now gets his shot under the bright lights of a regular season NBA contest.
Timme’s NBA numbers so far have been modest. Through 23 regular-season appearances, he’s averaging 3.1 points in just over 8 minutes per game, with 1.2 rebounds and 0.7 assists per contest. While these stats might not leap off the page, they don’t tell the whole story. As anyone who followed his college career at Gonzaga knows, Timme is a player who thrives when given rhythm, responsibility, and time to work his magic in the paint.
His most extended NBA opportunity to date came against Indiana, where he logged 23 minutes and chipped in four points along with steady, if unspectacular, contributions. It was a glimpse of what might be possible if his minutes were to expand. Now, with the Lakers’ rotation thinned, that possibility is about to become reality—at least for one night.
But Timme’s readiness for this opportunity didn’t develop in a vacuum. While his NBA stints have been brief, he’s been a force with the South Bay Lakers, the team’s G League affiliate. The numbers from South Bay’s playoff run are eye-catching: 18 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in a Western Conference Finals loss to the Stockton Kings on April 6, 2026. Earlier in the playoffs, he posted 21 points, eight rebounds, and six assists in a first-round win over the San Diego Clippers. These aren’t empty stats—they’re the mark of a player who can shoulder responsibility and deliver when his team needs him most.
The South Bay Lakers themselves have been one of the G League’s stories of the year. They finished with a sparkling 26-10 record, secured the top spot in the Western Conference, and rattled off a franchise-record 12-game winning streak through February and March. While the team ultimately fell short in the conference finals, Timme’s performances were a bright spot, and his development in the G League has made a strong case for increased NBA minutes.
“Drew’s presence in the paint, his passing, and his ability to read the game have been invaluable for us,” said a South Bay Lakers coach, according to local reports. “He’s always ready to step up.” That readiness is about to be tested at the highest level.
Timme’s game has always been a bit of a throwback. At 6’9” and 235 pounds, he’s not the hyper-athletic rim-runner that’s become so common in today’s NBA. Instead, he relies on fundamentals: creative footwork, soft touch around the rim, and a high basketball IQ. His post moves—honed over years at Gonzaga, where he became one of college basketball’s most recognizable faces—remain his calling card. But Timme has also worked to expand his game, gradually improving his perimeter awareness and even attempting the occasional three-pointer, signaling his willingness to adapt to the modern pace-and-space era.
His popularity, meanwhile, extends well beyond his on-court production. The signature mustache, the expressive celebrations, and the unabashed confidence have made Timme a fan favorite since his college days. It’s no surprise that Lakers fans are buzzing about his first NBA start—he brings a flair and personality that resonates in a city that loves its stars.
Yet, for all the attention, Timme’s professional journey has been one of perseverance. He went undrafted, a fact that has shaped his narrative and fueled his drive. His contract, like many undrafted players, is modest compared to NBA veterans, but a strong showing in this expanded role could change his financial trajectory. Even a steady spot in the Lakers’ rotation would mean a significant step up in earnings, not to mention increased visibility for potential endorsements.
The stakes for Tuesday’s game are clear. With Dončić and Reaves sidelined, the Lakers need someone to step up and fill the gap. Timme, who has already proven himself in the G League, now has the chance to show he belongs in the NBA rotation. The opportunity is significant: more minutes, more touches, and a chance to prove that his old-school skill set can make a difference in a league that often favors speed and shooting.
It’s also a test of adaptability. The Lakers’ system demands that big men not only score and rebound but also defend in space and facilitate the offense. Timme’s passing ability—showcased in his G League stat lines—could be an asset, especially if he’s able to find open shooters or make quick decisions out of the post. Defensively, he’ll be tasked with holding his own against a Thunder team known for its athleticism and energy.
The ripple effects of this lineup change extend beyond Timme himself. Injuries to key Lakers have forced the team to pull players from South Bay, leaving the G League squad shorthanded in their own playoff run. In fact, Adou Thiero, Kobe Bufkin, Nick Smith Jr., and Dalton Knecht—vital to South Bay’s success—were unavailable for their Western Conference Finals loss because they were needed with the main Lakers squad. It’s a reminder of how interconnected the NBA and G League have become, especially during injury-plagued stretches of the season.
For Timme, this is more than just a one-game audition. If he performs well, he could carve out a regular spot in the Lakers’ rotation, especially as the team navigates the final stretch of the season and, potentially, the playoffs. If he struggles, it may be back to spot minutes and G League assignments. That’s the reality for many young players on the fringes of NBA rosters—opportunities are rare, but they can be transformative.
As tip-off approaches, the excitement is palpable. Will Timme’s signature moves translate to NBA success? Can he seize the moment and force his way into a bigger role? The answers will come soon enough, but for now, one thing is certain: Drew Timme’s career is at a turning point, and all eyes are on Oklahoma City.
Whether this start becomes the beginning of a new chapter or simply a memorable footnote, Lakers fans and basketball observers alike will be watching closely. Opportunity knocks, and for Drew Timme, the door is wide open.