Lakers should sign Matisse Thybulle no matter what happens with Jonathan Kuminga

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly expanding their search for wing defenders as they look to put the finishing touches on their roster. They're still intent on acquiring Jonathan Kuminga via sign-and-trade, but as that process proves challenging, they aren't limiting themselves to his talents alone.

Regardless of what transpires on the Kuminga front, however, the Lakers must complete the signing of another rumored target: Matisse Thybulle.

Thybulle, 29, seemed to fade into the depths of NBA obscurity based on a reputation that hasn't actually been accurate for the past three-and-a-half seasons. He shot just 32.5 percent from beyond the arc with the Philadelphia 76ers, however, and has thus been labeled as an elite defender who can't shoot.

Thankfully, the Lakers are reportedly looking past that dated information and instead evaluating Thybulle as the 3-and-D threat he's seemingly become. Per Marc Stein of The Stein Line:

The Lakers' reported interest in Thybulle may ultimately prove to be a leverage play against Kuminga, but they should be sincere in their efforts to sign the veteran wing.

Matisse Thybulle is exactly what the Lakers' perimeter is missing

Thybulle unfortunately battled injuries during his Trail Blazers career, thus causing him to appear in just 132 games. He shot 37.4 percent on 3.5 three-point field goal attempts per contest, however, thus implying that he's a more effective option than one might presume.

If the Lakers can get a clean bill of health for Thybulle in 2026, then they shouldn't be afraid to gamble on that efficiency translating to an offense where Luka Doncic consistently generates open looks for his teammates.

Beyond his shooting, Thybulle continues to be one of the best defensive wings in the NBA when healthy. This past season, he ranked in the 87th percentile in off-ball chaser defense, the 84th percentile in ball screen navigation, and the 69th percentile in perimeter isolation defense, per Basketball Index.

Thybulle also ranked in the 99th percentile in passing lane defense and the 98th percentile in pickpocket rating, which aligns with his career average of 2.8 steals per 36 minutes.

For a Lakers team that desperately needs defensive-minded wings who can excel both on and away from the ball, signing Thybulle to a minimum contract should be a no-brainer. There's leverage on Los Angeles' side due to his injury history and the value they can offer him in redefining his reputation in a major market—let alone alongside a superstar who can make life easier for him if he does the same in return.

Kuminga is an understandable priority due to his untapped potential, but Thybulle should be a priority signing regardless of what else transpires.

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