Los Angeles Lakers Sign Defensive Guard Matisse Thybulle for Upcoming NBA Season

The Los Angeles Lakers have bolstered 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 reporter Shams Charania. The 29-year-old guard/forward, drafted 20th overall in 2019, will join the Lakers as they build a new core around stars Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, following LeBron James' departure.

Thybulle will be playing for his third NBA team after stints with the Trail Blazers and the Philadelphia 76ers, where he earned two selections to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. Despite injuries limiting him to 49 games over the past two seasons, he averaged 5.8 points and 2.0 steals last year. Alongside Thybulle, the Lakers have also added several other new 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 Summer League.

These acquisitions reflect the Lakers' strategy to strengthen their roster depth and defensive capabilities as they enter a new era without LeBron James, aiming to support their backcourt stars and remain competitive in the upcoming NBA season.