The Los Angeles Lakers made a low-stakes bet on Matisse Thybulle, snagging the 29-year-old wing on a one-year deal Monday, July 20, according to ESPN. But that contract already means they have one player too many under contract heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
Thybulle’s Fit Comes With Major “What Ifs”
This guy is known for elite defensive skills, pure versatility on that end of the court. He could be that missing piece to cover up the defensive holes, especially with a backcourt that won’t feature an on-ball defensive stopper. And get this: his 3-point shot? It’s actually improved! Remember when that was a liability in high-leverage moments early in his career? Not anymore, or at least that’s the hope. That could be huge in crunch time. Thybulle’s addition helps address a lingering hole on the wing after the Lakers couldn’t land a higher profile option to supplement Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. But here’s the catch: Thybulle’s been battling injuries, only playing 49 games (including playoffs) over the last two seasons with the Trail Blazers. Sure, he finished the 2026 postseason healthy and in the rotation, but his long-term availability is a total wild card for his success in Los Angeles. That’s why he’s only pulling down a veteran’s minimum of $3.3 million for this one-year contract. Is he a viable option alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves? ESPN says it’s “far from certain.”
The Roster Crunch Is Real, And Someone’s On The Block
So, here’s the real kicker: with Thybulle officially in the fold, the Lakers now have a whopping 16 players under contract. The NBA rulebook says they gotta be down to 15 by the start of the 2026-27 regular season. Twenty players are fine until the season kicks off, but then it’s crunch time. The front office has some tough decisions coming, either releasing someone or swinging a trade to consolidate the roster. And who’s on the hot seat? Former first-round pick Dalton Knecht has reportedly been in trade talks this offseason already, so he’s a definite candidate. Guard Jaden Hardy is also on an expiring deal and is stuck in a seriously crowded backcourt. The Lakers also recently signed Ziaire Williams to provide depth along the wing and were reported to be pursuing free agent Jonathan Kuminga. Training camp is gonna be wild; watching how that pecking order shakes out? That’s the real storyline we’ll be tracking.
This isn’t just a simple signing; it’s a chess move with immediate consequences. The Lakers needed a wing, they got one in Thybulle, but now the clock is ticking on someone else’s spot. Get ready, because when training camp opens, it won’t just be about who’s playing well, but about who’s fighting for their job. It’s going to be an intense ride to the regular season, that’s for sure.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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