The Los Angeles Lakers started their 2026 preseason campaign with a commanding 127-103 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Monday, but the real fireworks weren’t just the final score. Head coach JJ Redick was hyping up the team’s defense, especially its ability to force 27 turnovers, and Luka Dončić couldn’t stop raving about two guys who were right at the heart of it: Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle. Dončić saw something special brewing with these defensive-minded wings, and if their preseason performance is any indicator, the Lakers’ defense might just be getting a serious boost.
Williams and Thybulle Locked It Down and Sparked a Defensive Frenzy
These two wings didn’t just play well; they set the tone for the entire team’s defensive effort against the Kings. Both Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle earned a starting nod, and they certainly delivered. Williams was a menace, pressing ball-handlers full-court and snagging a steal. Thybulle doubled that effort with two takeaways of his own. They were part of a group of nine different Lakers who recorded a steal in the game, contributing big time to those 27 turnovers Redick was praising. But it wasn’t just defense for Williams; he also dropped 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting, going a perfect 3-of-3 from deep. Thybulle chipped in, too, hitting 2-of-4 from beyond the arc. Their energy was undeniable, and it clearly resonated with their superstar teammate.
Luka Dončić’s High Praise and What It Means for the Lakers’ Rotation
Dončić was absolutely thrilled playing alongside Williams and Thybulle. After the win, he said, “It felt great. I think we all had fun out there, especially Matisse and Ziaire. Just that beginning of the game, just starting, that’s contagious for everybody. How they started the game was inspirational and the other guys came from the bench and it was amazing just to watch. They were having fun and sharing the ball. I think the whole team had fun today.” He went on to call their defensive play, “one of the best that I’ve seen,” adding that “Being teammates with them and going against them makes us better and makes them better. It’s just really fun to have them on the team.” That’s some serious praise from Luka!
This kind of performance in the preseason is huge for their roles moving forward. The expectation is that one of them will likely start next to Dončić, Austin Reaves, Quentin Grimes, and Walker Kessler, with the other becoming a crucial reserve. For that to happen, though, they’ve got to keep developing their offensive game. Both have shown flashes as cutters throughout their careers, but hitting 3-pointers consistently is imperative to maximize their playing time and boost that Lakers’ defense. Williams is a career 32.2% outside shooter, and Thybulle is at 34.9%. Thybulle also needs to stay healthy after playing a combined 45 games in the past two seasons. If they can replicate the defensive intensity and show offensive viability like they did against the Kings, Luka’s vision of a formidable defensive unit with them at the core could easily become a reality this season. The team’s defensive ceiling just might depend on these two.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Silver Screen and Roll.
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