Lakers reportedly kicking tires on $33 million defensive standout

Jul 17, 2026 - 00:05

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Lakers reportedly kicking tires on $33 million defensive standout originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Lakers are undergoing some big changes this offseason.

Of course, the biggest story is the loss of LeBron James. The legend hasn't decided on a new team yet, but he won't be back with the Lakers, and even at his age, he's a big loss. To help mitigate that loss, the team has brought in Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Quentin Grimes, among others.

The team is probably done with big moves, but if they want to surround Kessler, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves with the best possible team, they could use more defense. As a result, one NBA insider recently revealed that the Lakers are interested in a defense-first free agent.

Lakers interested in wing Matisse Thybulle

Marc Stein of The Stein Line recently revealed that the Lakers are indeed interested in Matisse Thybulle. Thybulle is a free agent after playing out a three-year, $33 million contract with the Portland Trailblazers.

"The Lakers have again broadened their search for perimeter defense, league sources say, registering interest this week in free agent Matisse Thybulle," said Stein. "They have already added Ziaire Williams while also continuing to pursue Jonathan Kuminga."

As Stein mentioned, the Lakers desperately need to improve the perimeter defense. Stein mentioned the team being interested in Jonathan Kuminga as well, but Thybulle has proven to be a better defender so far, and Kuminga will want a bigger deal.

Thybulle has only played in 45 games over the last two seasons due to multiple injuries, but he ended the 2025-26 campaign in the Blazers' rotation. Thybulle has never provided much on offense, but he's been one of the best defensive wings in the league before.

Thybulle averages just 5.0 points and 1.1 assists for his career, but he's twice been an All-Defensive Team player and averages just under two steals per game for his career.

That's the type of defensive performance the Lakers could use, because as it stands right now, the team's best defenders are probably Ziaire Williams and Adou Thiero.

After the recent signing of Williams, the Lakers are already at 15 players under standard contracts, meaning there's not currently a spot for Thybulle. The team also can't offer more than the veteran minimum unless they work out a trade.

However, even with those factors, this deal would make sense. Thybulle may be okay taking a minimum deal to join a contender with some elite players around him. Plus, the wing could earn a much bigger payday if he proves he's fully healthy and contributes in 2026-27.