Lakers Pursue Former Portland Teammate of Deni Avdija for 2026 Season

The Los Angeles Lakers are actively pursuing Mathias Thybulle, who played alongside Israeli player Deni Avdija during the 2025-2026 NBA season with the Portland Trail Blazers. According to reporter Marc Stein, the Lakers have already made an official approach to Thybulle's representatives. The team aims to strengthen its roster and improve defensive capabilities on the wing positions following LeBron James' departure from Los Angeles.

Thybulle, selected 20th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, appeared in 30 games last season for Portland, averaging 5.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game. He shot 43.3% from the field and nearly 40% from three-point range. Over his career, Thybulle has played 377 regular-season games, maintaining similar statistics. He began his NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers after being traded from Boston post-draft, spending four years there before moving to Portland in 2023.

As NBA teams prepare for the 2026-2027 season, the Lakers are making significant moves to rebuild their squad, with Thybulle seen as a key addition to enhance their defensive wing depth.