Matisse Thybulle signed a one-year, $3.3 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers this Monday morning, a lightning-fast pivot that leaves Jonathan Kuminga still out there. For weeks, Kuminga was the main target, the player Los Angeles was laser-focused on acquiring to fill that crucial starting wing spot left vacant after LeBron James informed the organization he wouldn’t be back. LeBron was a fixture there for eight seasons, but honestly, that relationship between him and the Lakers had gradually faded over the years, so his departure wasn’t a total shock.
Kuminga: The Roadblock Nobody Saw Coming
Jovan Buha reported there was “mutual free agent interest” between Kuminga and the Lakers. Evan Sidery even wrote that Los Angeles was working “behind the scenes to secure Kuminga’s commitment as their new wing addition.” We all thought it was happening! Kuminga, an ex-Warriors NBA champion who was previously on a $46 million contract with the Hawks, seemed like the perfect fit. But then, boom, a roadblock. The two sides just couldn’t reach an agreement. The Athletic’s Dan Woike dropped the truth bomb, reporting that momentum “stalled with the sides far apart on terms” and L.A. wasn’t “overly motivated to push significant draft capital into sign-and-trade scenarios.” That’s rough, man. You chase a guy for weeks, everyone knows you want him, and it just fizzles.
Thybulle’s Sudden Arrival and What’s Next
So, with Kuminga talks going nowhere fast, the Lakers pulled the trigger on Thybulle. This guy is a two-time All-Defensive team member, and ESPN’s Shams Charania reported he even spoke with JJ Redick and Luka Doncic about his role before choosing Los Angeles. It’s clear this move is all about beefing up that wing defense, a real need as the Kuminga momentum just vanished. After all this, the Lakers probably feel like they’re “on the outside looking in” with Kuminga, especially since they’ve already added multiple wings this offseason. They’ve even checked in with the Dallas Mavericks about PJ Washington as another potential alternative. One thing’s for sure: the Lakers aren’t waiting around indefinitely for Kuminga after grabbing Thybulle. They look far from finished making aggressive moves this summer, so keep your eyes peeled for what’s next.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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