After months of speculation and anticipation, it was finally announced that Drew Timme, the talented forward from Gonzaga University, had signed a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. The news was met with excitement and enthusiasm from both fans and experts alike, as Timme’s impressive college career had caught the attention of many NBA teams. But what made this signing even more special was the rare LeBron James moment that Timme recalled from his time in the NBA G League.
For those who may not be familiar, the NBA G League is the official minor league for the NBA, where players can develop their skills and potentially earn a spot on an NBA roster. Timme, who had initially declared for the NBA draft after his sophomore year at Gonzaga, decided to forego his remaining college eligibility and join the G League Ignite team. This decision proved to be beneficial for Timme, as he was able to showcase his talents and catch the eye of NBA teams.
During his time in the G League, Timme had the opportunity to play against some of the top prospects in the country, including Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga. But it was a game against the South Bay Lakers, the G League affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers, that Timme remembers most vividly. In an interview, Timme recalled a moment where he was guarding LeBron James, who was playing for the South Bay Lakers as part of his recovery from an injury.
“I remember guarding him and thinking to myself, ‘Wow, I’m actually guarding LeBron James’,” Timme said with a smile. “It was a surreal moment for me, especially since I had grown up watching him dominate the NBA.”
Despite being matched up against one of the greatest players in NBA history, Timme held his own and even managed to block James’ shot at one point. This moment not only showcased Timme’s defensive abilities, but it also earned him praise from James himself.
“LeBron came up to me after the game and told me I had a bright future ahead of me,” Timme shared. “Coming from someone like him, it meant a lot to me and gave me even more motivation to keep working hard.”
And work hard he did. Timme’s performance in the G League caught the attention of the Los Angeles Lakers, who were in need of a young and talented forward to add to their roster. After signing with the Lakers, Timme expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to play for such a prestigious organization.
“I am beyond grateful to be a part of the Los Angeles Lakers family,” Timme said. “To have the chance to learn from players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis is a dream come true for me. I can’t wait to get to work and help contribute to the team’s success.”
Timme’s positive attitude and determination to improve his game have not gone unnoticed by his new teammates. Lakers’ star forward Anthony Davis had nothing but praise for the young rookie, saying, “Drew is a hard worker and a great teammate. I have no doubt that he will make a positive impact on our team.”
With the support and guidance of veteran players like James and Davis, Timme is poised to make a name for himself in the NBA. His rare moment guarding James in the G League may have been just a glimpse of what’s to come for the young forward in the league.
As Timme prepares for his first season with the Lakers, he remains humble and focused on his goals. His rare moment guarding James serves as a reminder of how far he has come and the potential he has to make a lasting impact in the NBA. Lakers fans, get ready to witness the rise of Drew Timme.
