Lakers Get Good Injury News on Key Free Agent Signing

Jul 26, 2026 - 05:20

0 1

Lakers Get Good Injury News on Key Free Agent Signing

The Los Angeles Lakers completed the signing of forward Matisse Thybulle during free agency, adding a defensive specialist to the roster.

The Lakers are quite guard-heavy at the moment, or at least with players who tend to play positions from point guard to small forward, but there are only a few that can step into the power forward spot.

Naturally, as they look to fill in the forward spot, the Lakers have been linked to the big name in Jonathan Kuminga, the lottery talent who has a high ceiling.

However, talks have cooled, leading LA to look elsewhere for help on the wing, and they managed to get Thybulle on a prove-it contract.

Mar 10, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Matisse Thybulle (4) reacts after making a three-point shot against the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

When healthy and right, Thybulle is an All-Defensive Team talent who can lock down the opposing team’s best player, but his availability has been a major question over the last two years.

Luckily, his injuries look to be behind him as he is “fully healthy,” according to The Athletic’s Dan Woike, heading into the new season.

Thybulle has been working to reduce his vulnerability to injury as well.

“I’ve been learning how interconnected the body is. The injuries I’ve been dealing with have been leftover from the previous season.. There’s no plan to fix anything.. we’re on the right path now,” the forward said at the end of the season.

Mar 16, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Matisse Thybulle (4) warms up before the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Why is Matisse Thybulle so important to the Lakers?

He has played just 45 gams in the last two years, and he has not played more than 71 games since 2022-2023.

Still, Thybulle is only 29 years old, meaning he should be able to play at his best for at least another 2-3 years at the least.

Additionally, he has proven to be ascending as a shooter; over the last two years, even with a small sample, he has shot 43.8% from deep in 2024 and 39.8% in 2025.

Luka Doncic’s teams need players like Thybulle who can make up for Doncic’s lackluster defense and space the floor to avoid clogging up the lane.

If he stays healthy, Thybulle will get a big payday from the Lakers or another team.

The post Lakers Get Good Injury News on Key Free Agent Signing appeared first on LA Sports Report.