Lakers Sign Thybulle, Mavericks Open Extension Talks With Lively, Nuggets Hire Joerger
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LOS ANGELES — The Lakers have bolstered their perimeter defense by signing veteran wing Matisse Thybulle to a one-year contract at the veteran minimum, the team announced. The two-time All-Defensive Second Team selection (2021, 2022) arrives after three-plus seasons with Portland, reinforcing an offseason emphasis on defense following LeBron James’ departure to Philadelphia.
Thybulle’s addition gives Los Angeles 16 players on fully guaranteed standard deals. The club must trim that number to 15 before the regular season, indicating additional roster moves are likely.
Mavericks and Lively Discuss Rookie-Scale Extension
DALLAS — The Mavericks have begun preliminary conversations with center Dereck Lively II on a rookie-scale extension, league source Marc Stein reported. The parties have until the day before the regular season to reach an agreement; otherwise, the 22-year-old would enter restricted free agency in July 2025.
Lively appeared in only seven games last season due to recurring right-foot issues that required a second surgery in December. Despite the limited action, Dallas remains encouraged by his performance as a rookie in 2023-24, when he averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks while shooting 74.5 percent. He was named to the All-Rookie Second Team and contributed energy and rim protection during the Mavericks’ run to the NBA Finals.
Nuggets Add Joerger to Adelman’s Staff
DENVER — Former Grizzlies and Kings head coach Dave Joerger will join the Nuggets as lead assistant under head coach David Adelman, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Joerger, who owns a 245-247 record over six NBA seasons, previously guided Memphis to three consecutive playoff appearances and later spent time as an assistant in Philadelphia and Milwaukee.
Denver expects Joerger’s experience to strengthen a staff tasked with keeping the Nuggets in contention in the Western Conference.
Source: Hoops Wire
