The Los Angeles Lakers continue to be among the most active teams in the open market. The Lakers are reportedly still looking to tinker with their roster despite having 15 players on standard contracts, with the recent signing of Ziaire Williams.
Projecting Lakers Depth Chart as They Are Still Looking to Improve Perimeter Defense
Williams surprisingly inked a one-year, $2.8 million deal with the Lakers on Monday. Williams, whose team option was declined by the Nets, is an athletic wing who fits well with the Lakers as they continue to build around Luka Doncic. He is long and can guard all five positions. Additionally, the 25-year-old has developed into a “3-and-D” rotational piece –making 1.6 threes and a 51.7% effective field goal percentage over the last two seasons — and is a good cutter.
Williams is coming off a solid season, averaging 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals. Williams drained 1.5 threes with shooting splits of 42.5/34.3/85.0. He scored in double figures in 31 of his 56 contests, with three 20-point games.
Williams is the eighth newcomer for the Lakers this year. Williams figures to be a major part of a big competition for time on the second unit during training camp. He has an edge over several players heading into camp due to his versatility and defensive prowess.
However, Williams may not be the last newcomer. The Lakers are enamored with Jonathan Kuminga, though his free agent decision is reportedly tied to LeBron James. Yesterday, NBA Insider Marc Stein revealed that the Lakers are interested in Matisse Thybulle.
The Lakers have again broadened their search for perimeter defense, league sources say, registering interest this week in free agent Matisse Thybulle.
They have already added Ziaire Williams while also continuing to pursue Jonathan Kuminga.
More NBA: https://t.co/mNpuuR3uFh pic.twitter.com/8kIkm2jULS
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 16, 2026
Why Are the Lakers Interested In Thybulle?
Despite having 15 players under contract, the Lakers are still searching for perimeter defenders, as it was one of their biggest weaknesses this past season. And Thybulle is elite on that end, with his biggest attribute being his ability to disrupt offense, earning All-Defensive Second Team selection twice. While the 29-year-old has struggled to stay healthy the last two seasons, he has improved as a three-point shooter.
Thybulle was limited to 30 games this past season due to a series of injuries affecting his hips, fingers, knees, and feet. Thybulle finished the season averaging 5.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.0 steals. He also drained 1.2 threes with shooting splits of 43.3/39.8/84.0.
As mentioned above, the Lakers already have a full 15-man roster with a salary cap total of $198.4 million. Thus, leaving them below the tax, but more importantly, $10.5 million below the first apron, where they are hardcapped.
The Lakers being over $10 million from being hardcapped is very important as the Lakers look to improve the team. While acquiring Kumnga’s services could require considerable maneuvering, unless the 23-year-old decides to lower his financial demands, signing Thybulle would be much cleaner. The Lakers are the only team known to have shown interest in the free agent, and he will likely get only the vet minimum.
Lakers Must Make A Roster Move Before Acquiring Another Player
Before acquiring anyone, LA has to make a roster move. Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht have long been trade candidates, though the Lakers haven’t had any takers. Even though Vanderbilt has struggled offensively over the last two seasons, he is still an elite, versatile defender who matches up against opponents’ top offensive players. He is owed $12.4 million this year and a $13.2 million team option in 2027-28.
Knecht was selected with the No. 17 pick in 2024. Knecht had a solid rookie season but barely got on the floor this past season and struggled mightily when he got on the court. The 25-year-old averaged 4.2 points on 45.5% shooting from the field and 34.2% from the 3-point line. Defense is a big issue for him. He is slated to make $4.2 million this season and has a team option for next year.
Now, a trade is not the only way the Lakers have to clear a roster spot. The Lakers could waive one of the players on the 15-man roster with Knecht, and Bronny James ($2.2 million this year and a team option in 2027-28). It is also possible that the Lakers could work out a trade with where LeBron James lands.
Projecting The Lakers Depth Chart
As things stand now, JJ Redick has a lot of things to figure out. The Lakers have all three of their two-way spots taken. Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler are the only starters set in stone. Quentin Grimes and Jake LaRavia will likely be the other starters unless the Lakers acquire Kuminga. In that case, Grimes is likely to come off the bench with LaRavia playing 3 and Kuminga the 4.
Sandro Mamukelasvili and Collin Sexton also project to be part of the rotation. Meanwhile, Adou Thiero, Williams, Vanderbilt, Kevon Looney and Jaden Hardy figure to compete for regular time. James, Cameron Carr, and Knecht will likely start the season as deep bench players.
Point Guard Depth Chart
1. Luka Doncic
2. Collin Sexton
3. Austin Reaves
4. Bronny James
5. Chris Manon (2-way contract): Manon played just nine games last year for the Lakers. He was efficient in the G-League and has played well during Las Vegas Action this year.
6. Peter Suder (2-way contract): Suder is a 6-5 combo guard who is more of a developmental player this year.
Shooting Guard
1. Austin Reaves
2. Luka Doncic
3. Collin Sexton
4. Quinton Grimes
5. Ziaire Williams
6. Jaden Hardy
7. Dalton Knecht
8. Cameron Carr: Has shown some scoring chops in the Las Vegas Summer League. He has been inconsistent from deep.
9. Chris Manon
10. Peter Suder
Small Forward
1. Quentin Grimes
2. Luka Doncic
3. Jake LaRavia
3. Ziaire Williams
4. Jarred Vanderbilt
5. Adou Thiero: Thiero’s 2025-26 season was hampered by injuries, but he was efficient in the 25 games he did appear in. The 6-7 wing has played well in the Las Vegas Summer League.
6. Dalton Knecht
7. Cameron Carr
8. AK Okereke (2-way contract): Developmental player this year. Has shown some shooting and defensive potential during the Summer League.
Power Forward
1. Jake LaRavia
2. Sandro Mamukelashvili
3. Ziaire Williams
4. Jarred Vanderbilt
5. Adou Thiero
6. Kevon Looney
7. AK Okekere
Center
1. Walker Kessler
2. Sandro Mamukelsvilli
3. Kevon Looney
Lakers Training Camp Invitees
LA has four players who have training camp/Exhibit 10 deals. These four players will likely end up with the G-League South Bay Lakers. Expect the Lakers to make more training camp moves as the franchise looks to continue to build South Bay’s roster.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
