Lakers Sign Defensive Specialist Matisse Thybulle to Boost Backcourt for Upcoming Season

The Los Angeles Lakers have strengthened their defense by signing Matisse Thybulle, a standout defender formerly with the Portland Trail Blazers. Thybulle, who played alongside Israeli player Deni Avdija in Philadelphia, agreed to a one-year contract worth $3.3 million, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The 29-year-old guard/forward, drafted 20th overall in 2019, will join the Lakers for his third NBA team after stints with Portland and Philadelphia, where he earned two selections to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.

Standing 1.96 meters tall, Thybulle has battled injuries in recent seasons, appearing in only 49 games over the last two years. Last season, he averaged 5.8 points and 2.0 steals per game. His addition aims to support the Lakers' backcourt, which features stars Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, as the team transitions into a new era without LeBron James.

Alongside Thybulle, the Lakers have also signed several other players this summer, including Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Ziaire Williams, Kevon Looney, Jayden Hardy, and rookie Cameron Carr, who impressed during the NBA Summer League. These acquisitions reflect the Lakers' efforts to build a competitive roster around their core stars for the upcoming season.