Lakers Explore Signing Free Agent Defender Matisse Thybulle
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The Los Angeles Lakers are assessing free-agent wing Matisse Thybulle as a potential addition to strengthen their perimeter defense, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
Thybulle, 29, has appeared in only 45 games over the past two seasons because of ankle, knee and thumb injuries. He returned to full health late in the 2025-26 campaign, earning regular minutes in Portland’s rotation.
Selected 20th overall in the 2019 draft, the 6-foot-5 guard is known primarily for his defense. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2021 and 2022 while with Philadelphia and owns career averages of 1.6 steals in 20.6 minutes per game. Over the last two years with the Trail Blazers, he averaged 2.1 steals in 17.6 minutes.
Offensively, Thybulle has posted career marks of 5.0 points and 1.1 assists, shooting .438 from the field, .349 from three-point range and .683 at the free-throw line.
The Lakers have already exhausted their salary-cap space and room exception, leaving the veteran’s minimum as their only option unless they execute a sign-and-trade. Adding Thybulle at the minimum would raise Los Angeles to 16 players under standard contracts once Ziaire Williams’ pending one-year deal becomes official.
Despite the roster and financial hurdles, the Lakers continue to survey the wing market. Stein reports the club still holds interest in a potential sign-and-trade for Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga. Sending out two players in such a transaction would clear a roster spot that could accommodate Thybulle.
Source: Hoops Rumors
