The Los Angeles Lakers reinforced their perimeter defense Monday, adding Matisse Thybulle on a one-year, $3.3 million deal, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. With the team now holding 16 guaranteed contracts, they will have to trade or waive another player by opening night.
Lakers Double Down on Defense With Matisse Thybulle Signing
A solid ball-stopper who has come around on offense, Thybulle averaged 5.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals across 30 games this past season. He also shot 43.3% from the field, 39.8% from 3-point range and 84.0% from the free-throw line.
The Lakers landed Thybulle outright on a veteran minimum deal, though were prepared to offer him more, according to Charania:
“The Lakers also discussed sign-and-trade scenarios with the Trail Blazers, which would have enabled Thybulle to earn a higher salary, but the sides could not reach a deal.”
Health is a key concern when evaluating the 29-year-old, as he played just 45 games over the past two seasons. However, he fills a vital role for a group that ranked 20th in defensive rating last season, as LA looks to recover after losing Marcus Smart to the Houston Rockets.
Thybulle, a two-time All-Defense team member, spoke with JJ Redick and Luka Doncic about the Lakers desire to sign him and his role during free agency and chose the opportunity on Monday. Thybulle shot 41.8% from 3 over the last two years across 45 games — and led the NBA in… https://t.co/yTvqUNQ8uF
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 20, 2026
Thybulle joins a wing department with solid potential on both ends. Assuming Quentin Grimes joins the starting five, the two-time All-Defensive selection will compete with Ziaire Williams for the backup spot. Williams, a former top-ten pick, is another defensive-minded player who recently broke out for the Brooklyn Nets—averaging 10.2 points and 1.4 steals per game last season. Despite those efforts, however, Thybulle may have the edge thanks to his experience and efficiency that can balance a bench reloaded with scorers.
Trade May Round Out Lakers’ Offseason
With the Lakers now operating above the cap at this point, a trade may be the last step that formally concludes their offseason. Despite rumors increasingly tying LA to Jonathan Kuminga, a potential sign-and-trade is now unfeasible with the Lakers’ reluctance to include draft capital and the Hawks’ unwillingness to receive Jarred Vanderbilt. Thus, the purple and gold will need to get creative in their cost-cutting efforts, as the job is (still) not finished despite a promising roster taking shape.
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