Drew Timme has jumped on the scene for the Lakers in their last few games. With the Los Angeles Lakers struggling lately, Timme has been increasingly called up to add increased versatility to the roster.

The Lakers' depth has not been particularly outstanding despite the team's overall success and as the losses have stacked up head coach JJ Redick has been increasingly willing to call upon younger players like Timme, especially with Austin Reaves still injured and the bench being even more necessary.

Timme especially shined in the Lakers's loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Jan. 17. Timme scored 21 points in just 16 minutes played and showcased the kind of talent that made him a standout both at Gonzaga and in the G-League and could continue to show up at the highest stage.

Even with Timme's recent usage, the Lakers have still have lost three of their last five games. Timme admittedly hasn't been a major reason behind those losses and his teammates have been quick to praise him in his limited usage. 

"I feel like Drew [Timme] has been doing an incredible job just playing the right way and playing his game. So, props to him," Luka Doncic said (via The Sporting Tribune). "[We] just gotta help him out."

Doncic has continued to play at a high level despite the Lakers' recent struggles, though he does he have his lapse as well. On nights when stars like Doncic, James or Reaves when healthy aren't having stellar nights, it becomes clear that the Lakes have more questions than answers when it comes to their roster construction. 

While players like Timme and Jared Vanderbilt are valuable assets to have and rely on, the Los Angeles bench overall lacks the support necessary to sustain lasting success if there's ever a chance that the stars have an off night. 

With the trade deadline approaching, there is an opportunity for the Lakers to enhance their depth and add the depth that they so desperately need, but until that opportunity arrives the Lakers will have to survive with the assets they have to work with. 

The increased usage of Timme is a valuable asset for the time being and with more opportunities he is likely to showcase his skills and improve on what's so far been a quiet season. With the way the Lakers have been playing, they'll need all the help they can get to get out of this hole.