The Los Angeles Lakers have added a defensive specialist to their new rebooted roster, as they agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million deal with free agent Matisse Thybulle, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The signing continues the Lakers’ focus on surrounding Luka Doncic with defensive-minded wings. Thybulle reportedly spoke with head coach JJ Redick and Luka during free agency about the Lakers’ vision for his role before he chose to come to Los Angeles.
The two-time All-NBA Defensive selection brings elite perimeter defense to a Lakers squad in desperate need of help in that department. Injuries have limited him to just 45 games in the last two seasons, but Thybulle has remained one of the league’s best defenders whenever he’s on the court.
Last season, he led the NBA in both steals and deflections per 36 minutes among players who played at least 20 games, according to ESPN research. He has become a much more consistent three-point shooter, hitting 41.8% of his shots from that range.
This signing also answers one of the Lakers’ biggest weaknesses entering the offseason. The Lakers have built an explosive offensive core around Luka and Austin Reaves, but the front office has kept searching for players capable of defending opposing star wings.
With Thybulle joining Ziaire Williams, Quentin Grimes and Walker Kessler, the Lakers have added much-needed defensive depth.
This signing also leaves the Lakers with 16 guaranteed deals, one above the regular-season limit. The Lakers have until opening night in October to either find a way through trade or waive a player to trim the roster down to the 15-man limit.
For just $3.3 million, Thybulle could be one of the best value signings of the offseason if he can stay healthy. His defensive expertise and improved outside shooting could give the Lakers a proven role player as they continue to build around Doncic in the post-LeBron James era.
