Bringing in Matisse Thybulle on a one-year, veteran minimum was one of the best low-risk, high-reward gambles the Los Angeles Lakers took this offseason. Getting the most out of him now becomes a question of pinning down his role and minutes distribution. That should be straightforward.
The role part is the easier side of the equation. Despite some buying in on the idea of Thybulle as a starter, a role off the bench suits him better. If Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler, and Quentin Grimes are the four other players in that starting lineup, the Lakers need more size than what Matisse can offer to complete it.
Having established him as a super sub, Thybulle should be slotting in around that eighth or ninth man off the bench. Collin Sexton and Sandro Mamukelashvili should both be above him when it comes to the minutes distribution. That is a good thing considering the caution which should be practiced by the Lakers.
Thybulle has only played 45 regular season games over the last two seasons. The former Portland Trail Blazers wing appeared in 15 during 2024-25, and 30 in 2025-26. That calls for the Lakers to find a steady diet of protecting his body while also allowing him to be as important as they need him to be.
Lakers should have a clear minutes threshold with Matisse Thybulle
15-20 minutes should be the safe estimate of what the Lakers allow themselves with Thybulle next season. That allows him to have a notable role off the bench while also not overtaxing his body. The latter sets him up for consistent availability, which matters a ton for Los Angeles.
Thybulle is arguably the best perimeter defender that is currently employed by the Lakers after this offseason overhaul. Los Angeles will be looking to squeeze all the effectiveness they can get out of that. A big part of that is having him available for the maximum amount of games possible.
There should be confidence in the Lakers being able to pull this off. Last year's Marcus Smart experiment is the reference point.
Smart joined the Lakers after two injury-riddled seasons, much like Thybulle has. The veteran guard appeared in 62 regular season games for Los Angeles before being around for a full playoff campaign.
The Lakers were forced to feature Smart a ton last season, by contrast to what is expected of Thybulle. Him becoming a full-time starter allowed the team to be at their best. They should have the added luxury of not having to do that with Matisse, based on the current roster make-up.
One of Dan Woike's sources described the new Lakers wing as 'fully healthy' earlier this summer. Perhaps that is the case, and these last two seasons can quickly become a thing of the past. Even so, taking the extra precautions to ensure that is in everyone's best interest.
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