The Los Angeles Lakers’ roster just swelled to 16 players with the signing of veteran forward Matisse Thybulle, and that seemingly smart, low-risk move just put a massive spotlight on Bronny James. They have to cut down to 15 before the season starts, and suddenly, the most famous name on their books looks like the most likely to go.
Thybulle’s Bargain Hunt and the Roster Headache
ESPN broke the news: the Lakers are bringing in Matisse Thybulle. It’s a sensible signing, honestly. The guy is a two-time All-Defense choice, and after that sign-and-trade splurge on Walker Kessler, perimeter defense is clearly an issue for LA. Thybulle shot way better from deep with the Portland Trail Blazers than he ever did with the Philadelphia 76ers. If he stays healthy, this could be a bargain for them as they try to cobble together a viable defense.
But here’s the kicker: this deal instantly takes their roster to 16 players. They are fine right now, the offseason maximum is 21. But by the time the regular season tips off, they must be at 15. Every single player they had *before* Thybulle was on a guaranteed contract, and so is Thybulle. Nobody wants to waive a guaranteed salary, that just feels like throwing money away. So, what’s coming? A trade. Definitely a trade.
Who’s on the Chopping Block? Bronny’s Name Looms Large
The Lakers currently have seven players eligible to be traded. Let’s be real, nobody thinks Luka Dončić is getting moved to fix a roster crunch. Jarred Vanderbilt’s contract is underwater, so they’d have to attach draft capital to get rid of him. Jaden Hardy, Dalton Knecht, and Jake LaRavia are all reasonable candidates. Hardy’s salary can’t be aggregated, but Knecht and LaRavia’s could be combined if they want to pursue an even bigger fish. Then there’s Adou Thiero, who apparently impressed at Summer League, so the Lakers likely want to keep him as a development guy.
That leaves one name: Bronny James. And yeah, his dad, LeBron James, is still a free agent. Five teams are reportedly still chasing the elder James: the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, and Minnesota Timberwolves. As long as LeBron hasn’t signed, everyone’s just assuming Bronny follows him wherever he lands. The Athletic said a father-son reunion isn’t guaranteed next season, but also, it hasn’t been ruled out! And when you look at it, Bronny is the most expendable player on that roster. Knecht, even though he’s been a No. 17 pick and disappointing, has played way more NBA minutes than Bronny and looked better before his failed Charlotte trade. Thiero was a higher draft pick a year later and has better physical tools. It’s a tough spot for Bronny.
The clock is ticking for the Lakers to trim that roster. What happens next? Does LeBron sign somewhere and instantly make Bronny a trade chip? Or do the Lakers move someone else and try to hang onto him? This is going to be wild.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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