The Los Angeles Lakers kept Marcus Smart healthy and restored his standing as an elite defender, and they hope to use that same blueprint on Matisse Thybulle. Smart had played just 54 games in the two years before arriving in LA and looked like he was on the decline. Fans questioned the signing, but those quickly went away. Smart finished ninth in defensive EPM last season and parlayed it into a raise. The Lakers would love to do the same with Thybulle.
The 29-year-old has played just 45 games in the last two seasons. He has struggled to stay healthy, but Thybulle is still an elite defender. The Lakers would love to change the narrative. They need defense and would love for the two-time All-Defensive selection to be this year’s Smart. They have the blueprint and will try to use it to maximize Thybulle.
The injury risk is real. Los Angeles needs a perimeter stopper and would love to help Thybulle get back into contention for All-Defense. The production is there, but he must play 65 games to be considered. Expect head coach JJ Redick to use the same plan he did with Smart.
Lakers will use Marcus Smart blueprint to try to keep Matisse Thybulle healthy
LA kept Smart’s minutes down early in the season. After 22 games, he was averaging just 27.3 minutes per contest and struggling to shake off some rust. Redick ramped his minutes up midseason only to ease back off before the playoffs. It allowed Smart to play 62 regular-season games and stay on the floor for 34.5 minutes each night in the playoffs. The Lakers needed him, and Smart delivered.
They are not the same player. Thybulle has only averaged over 23 minutes per game once in his seven-year NBA career. The 6’5 wing has more size and versatility. Thybulle’s jumper has improved, but he isn’t the playmaker that Smart is.
The Lakers will need him to play a different role. They want Thybulle to be a lockdown defender and havoc creator. It will take a ramp-up like Smart got and attention to detail on his body to keep Thybulle healthy.
The Lakers clearly believe in the 29-year-old. They signed him to a one-year minimum contract and plan to put him on the same plan they used for Smart. Thybulle still has a lot left in the tank. It is all about keeping him healthy and putting him in positions to succeed.
Coach Redick is a master at unlocking his talent. He got Deandre Ayton to buy into his role, maximized Smart, and had Luke Kennard looking like a key piece last season. Thybulle is part of the next wave of reclamation projects. He is an elite defender, but needs better health. The Lakers have a plan, and fans just saw it used on Marcus Smart. Hopefully, it works just as well the second time.
The Los Angeles Lakers need perimeter defense and will give Matisse Thybulle plenty of opportunities to prove he’s ready for a larger role than the Blazers played him in. Smart thrived and was a key part of the purple and gold’s success. Don’t rule out Thybulle making a similar impact if he’s fully bought into the plan.
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