The Los Angeles Lakers agreed to a one-year contract with Matisse Thybulle to help solve their defensive perimeter issues, but the 6’5 wing has played just 45 games over the last two seasons. Even when he has been on the floor, Thybulle averaged just 17.6 minutes per game. The Lakers needed a starting forward after their retool around Luka Doncic. The newest member offers the defense Los Angeles wants, but he cannot fill that role.
Thybulle has twice made second-team All-Defense. He is known as an elite option on that end of the floor, and he’s shot 41.1 percent from 3-point range over his last 141 attempts. It is not the biggest sample, but Luka thrives with 3-and-D wings around him. Thybulle will get open looks and every opportunity to prove that he is a lockdown defender.
The Lakers have added pressure on Doncic this summer. They are relying on their superstar to maximize several players, and fans can add Thybulle to that list. Shams Charania noted that Luka and JJ Redick helped convince the 6’5 wing to join the Lakers. That worked out well with Marcus Smart, who had similar issues before arriving in LA.
Lakers got an elite defender in Matisse Thybulle, but injuries are a worry
Thybulle averaged 5.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.0 steals in 16.0 minutes per game last season. He is elite at creating turnovers and being disruptive defensively. The Lakers let Smart walk in free agency to create room for their additions. They needed a replacement stopper. Thybulle could be that option if he can expand his role.
He has averaged just 20.6 minutes per game in his seven-year NBA career. The 29-year-old has never played more than 25.5 minutes per game. The Lakers will have to limit his playing time to maximize his production.
Thybulle is the ideal fit around Luka. The Lakers still have work to do in building around Doncic. The newest Laker can cover the superstar defensively and knock down open threes. The Lakers needed a 3-and-D option capable of guarding forwards. Thybulle checks those boxes. LA needs 25 minutes every night from him, and history suggests that is a problem.
Thybulle struggled in the playoffs with the Trail Blazers. He made just two of his 14 shots, and Portland was outscored by 29 points in his 52 minutes on the floor. It is a tiny four-game sample, and the Lakers are better equipped to get the most out of him.
The Lakers have 16 players under guaranteed contracts, so another move is coming. They could cut someone or make a trade. Signing Thybulle feels like it ends the Lakers' Jonathan Kuminga dreams. They found their defensive-minded forward.
The Los Angeles Lakers agreed to sign Matisse Thybulle on Monday to solve their perimeter defensive needs. It will be on him and Walker Kessler to turn the purple and gold into a top-ten defense. Fans should be worried about Thybulle’s injury history, but credit to Rob Pelinka for addressing LA’s biggest need. Hopefully, they can turn this bargain signing into a home run move. All it will take is good health.
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