Lakers consider Matisse Thybulle as potential defensive addition
lakers-consider-matisse-thybulle-defensive-addition
Los Angeles — The Los Angeles Lakers have expressed interest in free-agent wing Matisse Thybulle as they continue searching for perimeter defense ahead of the 2026-27 season, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Stein reported on July 16 that the club “registered interest this week” in the 29-year-old, who spent last season with the Portland Trail Blazers. Los Angeles recently signed forward Ziaire Williams and remains in pursuit of free-agent power forward Jonathan Kuminga, yet still seeks additional help on the wing.
Roster flexibility required
The Lakers currently hold 15 guaranteed contracts, filling the maximum roster allotment. They sit beneath the first apron hard cap, giving them room to add a veteran-minimum deal. To create a spot, the front office would need to waive a player or execute a trade that sends out more players than it receives.
Thybulle’s recent performance
Selected 20th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2019 draft, Thybulle earned NBA All-Defensive honors in 2020 and 2021. Injuries have limited his availability in recent seasons, but he averaged 5.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals across 30 games for Portland in 2025-26. The guard/forward shot 39.8 percent from three on 3.1 attempts per game, improving on his 34.9 percent career mark.
Ongoing pursuit of Kuminga
Los Angeles is also working on a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks for Kuminga, who is viewed internally as a potential starting power forward. A multi-player deal could simultaneously clear the necessary roster space for a Thybulle signing.
The Lakers begin training camp in early October and are expected to continue evaluating free-agent and trade options until the final roster is set.
Source: LakersNation.com
