Why LeBron James praised Drew Timme after being traded to Los Angeles

Three years removed from his NCAA Tournament heroics, Drew Timme is finally back on the big stage. After a short stay with Brooklyn Nets at the end of last season, Timme made the most of the new opportunity with Los Angeles Lakers.

The former Gonzaga star made an immediate impact after joining the Lakers’ rotation over the past three games. After scoring 21 points on 9-of-12 shooting in Saturday’s loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, Tim had nine points and three rebounds on 4-of-6 shooting in Tuesday’s 115-107 win over the Denver Nuggets.

LeBron Jameswho urged Timme to remain in the rotation after his performance in Portland, offered high praise for the big man after Los Angeles’ last win.

“He’s a smart basketball player. He knows how to play the game. And his IQ correlates to this level. So it’s great to see the coaches have faith in him,” James told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

After breaking into the G League, Tim pledged with the Nets during his first NBA opportunity last season.

LeBron James praises Drew Tim’s impact on Lakers

He averaged 12.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists on 44.1 percent shooting in nine appearances for Brooklyn. However, with Nic Clacton and Dai’Ron Sharpe cemented in their center rotation, The Nets waived Thiem before this season and traded his G League rights to the South Bay Lakers. The 25-year-old signed a two-way contract with Los Angeles shortly thereafter.

The Lakers have an obvious need for frontcourt depth in addition to Deandre Ayton and Jackson Hayes. Timme makes a strong case for continuing in the role after leaving the rotation. He is plus-20 in 56 minutes in his three appearances.

As has been the case since his Gonzaga days, he is using his doubts as motivation.

“I mean, in college and ever since I left, it was ‘You can’t do this, you can’t do that. You’re not good enough for this and that.’ All these things. All these things I can’t do. I see that, and that’s the fuel,” Timme said, via HoopsHipe. “At the end of the day, I’m a good player, I believe in myself and my abilities, and I believe I can impact the game at any level, anywhere. Just having that belief with me helps push me on days when I might not be as motivated. But to be able to have this opportunity and help the team, it’s great.”