Finding low-risk, high-reward signings is difficult in today’s NBA. But the Los Angeles Lakers may have found one in Matisse Thybulle, as he ranks among the best defenders in the league when healthy.
Obviously, health is his biggest concern, along with sustaining a respectable 3-point shot, although he shot 39.8% in 30 games last season. But Thybulle’s main calling card is defense and the new NBA 2K27 video game knows that as they gave him a 98 steal rating, a four-way tie for the No. 1 spot:
No handle is safe around them 🍪
The Top 10 guys who can pick pockets in NBA 2K27 pic.twitter.com/zeJnlcuIne
— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) August 8, 2026
Historically, Thybulle has built a reputation as one of the better perimeter defenders in the league and that remains despite the recent injury-plagued ratings. His 98 steal rating is up there with Ausar Thompson, Cason Wallace and Dyson Daniels, who are all regarded as upper-echelon perimeter defenders.
Hopefully, the former Washington product can continue that level of defense this season because the Lakers could certainly use it. In the last two years, the 29-year-old forward averaged two or more steals a game, but only appeared in a total of 45 games.
Head coach JJ Redick will presumably deploy the veteran on the league’s top-scoring talents and safe to say 2K players can follow suit with his 98 steal rating. If he can manage to stay healthy, Thybulle will play a big role for the Lakers this season due to his defensive chops and improved shooting.
Matisse Thybulle ‘fully healthy’ this offseason
When Thybulle was drafted to the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019, he was known as a defensive specialist and the concern was about his offensive game. In his first five seasons, he played a minimum of 65 games, so injuries were not a concern until lately.
However, the last two seasons presumably scared off potential suitors, as there is no guarantee that he will return to form. For the Lakers, though, it is a veteran minimum contract, so there are no strings attached if things do not pan out.
Additionally, when Los Angeles signed Thybulle, rumors were that the veteran forward is fully healthy as he prepares for this season. Following issues with knee inflammation and surgery, that needs to be monitored as they navigate an 82-game schedule.
JJ Redick knows there will be times to manage his players, so there should not be a concern of Redick overloading Thybulle with too many minutes or responsibilities.
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