Bringing in Matisse Thybulle puts the Los Angeles Lakers at 16 players. That means Rob Pelinka still has work to do when it comes to finalizing what the 2026-27 version of this team will look like when October arrives. Perhaps by then the biggest remaining question will finally get answered.
The Lakers are still stuck in a holding pattern of everyone asking what exactly happens with one of the two starting forward spots. Los Angeles was still searching for a clear starting forward after Ziaire Williams was signed to balance out the rotations. That continues to be the case after Thybulle.
PG | SG | SF | PF | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Luka Doncic | Austin Reaves | Quentin Grimes | Sandro Mamukelashvili | Walker Kessler |
Collin Sexton | Cameron Carr | Ziaire Williams | Adou Thiero | Kevon Looney |
Jaden Hardy | Matisse Thybulle | Jake LaRavia | Jarred Vanderbilt | |
Bronny James | Dalton Knecht |
There is a lot of fluctuation that can happen with the players above. Several players can slot in at multiple spots when the dust on the roster finally settles. This is a position-less era of basketball after all.
Even with all that in mind, the Lakers' next move still needs to offer clarity with relation to the other forward spot. Sandro Mamukelashvili sliding to the bench would give Los Angeles the frontcourt versatility they are otherwise missing right now. That means the four is still calling out for a starter.
Lakers are still searching for a starting forward even after adding Matisse Thybulle
Theoretically, there could be a case made that someone emerges internally for the Lakers to reshuffle the depth chart above. With the Lakers needing to get their roster number down to 16, a consolidation trade or waiving-and-stretching Jarred Vanderbilt could get them there.
With Doncic, the starting four does not need to be someone who would more traditionally fit the idea of what that position entails. Offensively, Luka may be a point guard, but his defensive strengths lend him better to covering the lesser of two forward spots with his size and strength.
That means, defensively, Quentin Grimes and Austin Reaves are going to be the guys likely to defend opposing teams' guards. Meanwhile, Doncic and the other starter should take on the forwards.
With those kinds of responsibilities, perhaps a case can be made for the Lakers elevating someone from the group of Williams, Jake LaRavia, or Adou Thiero to start and fulfill those wing stopper duties. It could depend on who inspires the most confidence in training camp.
Let's envision that realignment, with the assumption of the Lakers taking the easiest option available in getting to 15 players by just waive-and-stretching Vanderbilt.
PG | SG | SF | PF | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Luka Doncic | Austin Reaves | Quentin Grimes | Ziaire Williams | Walker Kessler |
Collin Sexton | Cameron Carr | Matisse Thybulle | Adou Thiero | Sandro Mamukelashvili |
Bronny James | Jaden Hardy | Dalton Knecht | Jake LaRavia | Kevon Looney |
That adjustment would position the Lakers' starting lineup in a way where their full rotation starts to make a ton more sense.
JJ Redick loves a nine-man rotation. The starting five could be complimented by having Mamukelashvili and Collin Sexton as the first two off the bench. Some combination of Thybulle, Thiero, LaRavia, and Cameron Carr can compete to fill that out.
Seeing what the Lakers do next should offer some much-needed clarity. While that roster number is at 16, nothing is truly settled in Los Angeles just yet.
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