{"id":205717,"date":"2026-07-20T15:20:01","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T19:20:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=205717"},"modified":"2026-07-20T15:20:57","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T19:20:57","slug":"lakers-matisse-thybulle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/07\/20\/lakers-matisse-thybulle\/","title":{"rendered":"Lakers Double Down on Defense With Matisse Thybulle Signing"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Los Angeles Lakers reinforced their perimeter defense Monday, adding Matisse Thybulle on a one-year, $3.3 million deal, per <\/span>ESPN\u2019s Shams Charania<\/span><\/a>. With the team now holding 16 guaranteed contracts, they will have to trade or waive another player by opening night.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lakers Double Down on Defense With Matisse Thybulle Signing<\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Lakers landed Thybulle outright on a veteran minimum deal, though were prepared to offer him more, according to <\/span>Charania<\/span><\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>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.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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 <\/span>20th in defensive rating<\/span><\/a> last season, as LA looks to recover after losing <\/span>Marcus Smart<\/span><\/a> to the <\/span>Houston Rockets<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/yTvqUNQ8uF<\/a><\/p>\n

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 20, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n