Drew Timme is giving up on LeBron James’ GOAT declaration after landing a two-way deal

Newly signed Los Angeles Lakers forward Drew Timme did not hold back his admiration for LeBron James after receiving a two-way contract on Monday, naming the 41-year-old star “GOAT” as we reflect together on recent exercises.

Timme, who spent the first part of the season with the South Bay Lakers, spoke with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin on Tuesday and explained in detail what it means to share the court with James grew as a veteran heading into his season debut after sciatica injury.

“It was pretty crazy, man. I mean, it’s like the GOAT — to be able to share the field with him, especially with a G League team, it’s beyond normal anything,” Timme said. “It was crazy, but I think it just shows how connected the two programs are. … He came in and it’s our job to help him get back up to game speed, so we were glad to be able to help and it was really cool to work with him.”

James joined South Bay for a series of five-on-five sessions last week as part of the release process ahead of his 23rd NBA season. Timme said he was on James’ team during those scrimmages and took the opportunity to adapt to his style.

“I was on his team and I just tried to get him the ball to my spots,” Timme said. “Whatever he needed me to do, I would try to do, so it was fun.

“It was pretty crazy, man. Like, I mean, it’s a GOAT.” – Drew Thiem on sharing a G League practice court with LeBron James and now playing with the Lakers in a two-way deal pic.twitter.com/sa2ARZgfv6

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 25, 2025

Drew Timm studies LeBron James’ GOAT-level posture as the Lakers evaluate his two-way role

The former Gonzaga star added that watching James work up close has provided valuable insight as he adjusts to an expanded role in the South Bay — one that involves more ball handling and perimeter play.

“How he managed to get to his places,” Tim said when asked what he learned. “He looked like he was never accelerated, his game was in slow motion. To see how he attacked things, I kind of watched as a fan and a student… I tried to pick up a couple of little things from him.”

The The Lakers officially signed Tim (25) to a two-way contract after waiving Christian Kolok. Tim has been one of South Bay’s most productive players this season, averaging 25.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, four assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 51.5 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from deep in six appearances. His only NBA stint before this season came with the Brooklyn Nets, where he averaged 12.1 points and 7.2 rebounds in nine games as a rookie.

James, who made his season debut last week against the Utah Jazz, has played two games since returning. The 20-time All-Star is averaging 14 points, 10 assists, 4.5 rebounds and one steal while shooting 48 percent from the field in 32 minutes per game. His return helped stabilize a Lakers team that went 12-4, won four straight and climbed atop the Western Conference standings.

The Lakers are now preparing to begin a four-game homestand, starting Tuesday night with NBA Cup game against the Los Angeles Clippers (5-12) at 11pm ET on NBC and Peacock. Los Angeles will look to extend its early season momentum while integrating James back into the rotation and evaluating how Timme fits into the organization’s long-term plans.