The Los Angeles Lakers announced they have signed wing Matisse Thybulle to a reportedly one-year, $3.3 million contract.
Thybulle had spent the last four seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers after beginning his career with the Philadelphia 76ers, who drafted him in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft.
Thybulle is known as an elite perimeter defender who has averaged 1.6 steals throughout his career. He is a two-time Second Team All-Defense selection who is one of the best players in the league creating turnovers and deflections with his energy, activity and athleticism on the perimeter. In college at the University of Washington, Thybulle won the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award as a senior and broke the Pac-12 single season and career steals records held by Jason Kidd and Gary Payton, respectively.
The ability to knock down 3-pointers consistently was a concern when he entered the league, but Thybulle has made great strides in that realm, knocking down 41.8% from deep over the past two seasons on more than three attempts per game.
The main issue for Thybulle recently has been health. He has played in just 45 games total over the last two seasons, which were his two best shooting years. He did end last season healthy, however, and, prior to the last two years, had played in at least 65 games in each of his first five NBA seasons.
The addition of Thybulle brings much-needed wing depth and a true point-of-attack defender to the Lakers. Surrounding Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves with athletic defenders who can shoot is a necessity and if Thybulle can stay healthy and knock down open shots at a high rate, he could play a big role for this team.
Thybulle and Ziaire Williams provide defensive versatility while Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton are more offensive-focused players. Add in promising rookie Cameron Carr and second-year wing Adou Thiero and the Lakers have numerous options who could make an impact on the perimeter in many different ways.
Thybulle will wear No. 26 for the purple and gold.
Lakers still ‘monitoring’ market for big men
This move increased the number of guaranteed Lakers contracts to 16, which means the team will need to waive or trade someone before the season begins. And the front office still may not be done making moves as they are still reportedly monitoring the market for big men.
The team’s current frontcourt rotation consists of Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Kevon Looney, so the Lakers could feel that another addition is necessary.
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