The Los Angeles Lakers have experienced significant roster turnover this offseason, headlined by the high-profile departure of LeBron James.
Changes have also extended to the fringes of the roster, where Los Angeles reshaped its two-way group while retaining only guard Chris Manon.
Returning G League forward Arthur Kaluma earned one of the remaining spots following an impressive Summer League campaign, while undrafted prospect AK Okereke currently occupies the third.
That overhaul left Nick Smith Jr. and Drew Timme searching for their next opportunities after both played significant roles within the Lakers’ developmental system last season.
Lakers Move on From Two Promising Developmental Standouts
Smith earned a standard NBA contract toward the end of the 2025-26 campaign, but the Lakers subsequently declined the 22-year-old’s $2.5 million team option for the upcoming season.
That decision sent the talented guard into unrestricted free agency following an encouraging year in Los Angeles.
Timme’s situation unfolded differently.
The former Gonzaga standout spent the entire season on a two-way contract after forcing his way into the NBA picture through impressive performances with the South Bay Lakers.
However, remaining on a two-way deal meant Timme was ineligible for the postseason, bringing his campaign to a premature end once the playoffs arrived.
At the time, the 25-year-old appeared well positioned to generate interest from teams searching for young and affordable frontcourt depth. Months later, Timme remains unsigned as available roster opportunities continue to disappear around the league.
With training camp approaching, his chances of immediately securing a standard NBA contract appear increasingly limited.
Several players in similar situations have already accepted training camp deals, including former Lakers teammate Kobe Bufkin, who is competing for an opportunity with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Timme, however, still has another potential pathway back into the league.
Multiple teams have two-way openings available, and the 2026-27 campaign would represent Timme’s third season of NBA experience, keeping him eligible for such a contract.
Drew Timme Remains Intriguing Option on Thinning Market
For a franchise willing to take a developmental chance on a skilled big man with legitimate floor-spacing ability, Timme remains an intriguing option.
Across 27 NBA appearances for the Lakers last season, the 6-foot-9 forward-center averaged 3.4 points and 1.2 rebounds while shooting an efficient 57.6% from the field and 44.0% from three-point range.
He produced several encouraging moments when given extended opportunities, highlighted by a 21-point performance against the Portland Trail Blazers in January.
Timme shot 9-of-12 from the field and knocked down three shots from beyond the arc while adding two rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
His NBA appearances offered glimpses of his potential, but Timme truly showcased his offensive versatility in the G League.
Across 21 games with South Bay, he averaged an impressive 23.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.5 combined steals and blocks while shooting 54.6% from the field.
That combination of NBA experience and proven G League production should keep Timme on the radar as teams finalize their rosters ahead of training camp.
Whether another NBA opportunity materializes or the former Gonzaga star eventually explores a potentially lucrative move overseas remains to be seen.
For now, Timme finds himself in an increasingly uncertain position. But with two-way eligibility remaining and a skillset that has already translated at the G League level, there are still viable routes for him to work his way back onto an NBA roster.
Former Lakers Big Man Stuck in Free Agency Limbo as Options Dwindle