The Los Angeles Lakers have endured a turbulent start to the 2025–26 NBA season, opening 2-2 despite Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Marcus Smart all missing time. Injuries have tested the team’s depth and forced the rest of the squad into expanded responsibilities. Austin Reaves has responded in remarkable fashion, averaging 35.8 points per game and scoring at least 40 points in each of his last two outings.
Deandre Ayton has also provided a steady interior presence, averaging 15.8 points and 9.2 rebounds through four games. Still, the absence of their stars has placed heavy strain on Los Angeles’ rotation as they aim to at least steady the ship and avoid falling behind early in the season.
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Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka.© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
While the main roster continues to navigate those absences, the franchise’s developmental pipeline made a big move, reinforcing its squad with one of the G League’s top talents.
On Wednesday, the South Bay Lakers, the team’s G League affiliate, officially announced a trade with the Long Island Nets by posting a Drew Timme graphic on X with the caption:
“Squad just leveled up.”
The move, earlier reported by Long Island, sends the returning player rights to guard Nate Williams to the Nets in exchange for the rights to forward Drew Timme and a 2027 G League first-round draft pick.
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Timme, a former Gonzaga standout and one of college basketball’s most decorated big men, has quickly made a name for himself in the G League. In 29 games with Long Island, he averaged 23.9 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game, earning All-G League Second Team honors.
The 25-year-old also managed nine games with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2024-25 NBA regular season, averaging 12.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists.
Timme is not currently on a two-way or NBA contract, but his skill, experience and proven production could make him a valuable option if the Lakers are looking to sign frontcourt reinforcements later in the season.
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Related: LeBron James Makes Off-Court Move Amid NBA Season
Related: Lakers Announce Unfortunate Luka Doncic News on Sunday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.