Los Angeles Lakers sign Matisse Thybulle to one-year, $3.3M deal

The Los Angeles Lakers have added another defensive piece to their roster, signing two-time All-Defensive forward Matisse Thybulle to a one-year contract worth approximately $3.3 million, a person with knowledge of the agreement told the Associated Press on Monday.

Thybulle, 29, arrives in Los Angeles after spending the past three-plus seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. Last season he averaged 5.8 points and 2.0 rebounds across 30 appearances, his campaign hampered by thumb and knee injuries that limited his availability.

A first-round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Washington, Thybulle built his reputation as one of the league's premier perimeter defenders during his four seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers. He earned All-Defensive Second Team honors in both 2021 and 2022, known for his disruptive hands, anticipation, and ability to guard multiple positions.

The Australian national team member also brings international experience, having won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

Thybulle becomes the 16th player under contract for the defending NBA champions, who have also signed Ziaire Williams this offseason. The Lakers will need to make a roster move before the start of the season to comply with the league's 15-player standard roster limit.

For a Lakers team that prides itself on defensive identity under head coach JJ Redick, Thybulle's arrival reinforces the perimeter rotation behind starters Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic. His ability to guard the opposition's best wing scorer could prove valuable in deep playoff runs as the Lakers look to defend their title.

Sources

• https://apnews.com/article/matisse-thybulle-blazers-lakers-72d354fa4bce76da81b2e62553d9a76e