Training camp just got real for the Lakers! With four starting spots penciled in, the rest of the rotation is wide open, and the team just made a massive move to address a glaring hole. After veteran Marcus Smart skipped town for Houston, LA desperately needed perimeter defense. Enter Matisse Thybulle, who immediately steps in as the highest-pedigree perimeter defender on the roster. Talk about filling a need!
The Defensive Monster Arrives
This dude is a defensive monster, plain and simple. We’re talking a 6’5″ wing with a ridiculous 7’1″ wingspan, built to terrorize offenses. He ain’t new to this either; he snagged Second Team All-Defense honors back in 2021 and 2022 as a Philadelphia 76er. He’s one of the most chaos-inducing playmakers in the league, with hands so good they just obstruct everything. And get this, he’s also improved that outside shot, making him a much-needed two-way threat around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. Elite disruption and a jump shot? Yes, please!
A Steal on the Court, A Steal on the Contract
Now, the catch. Thybulle only played 30 games last season for the Blazers and 15 the season before. That’s why LA got him on a minimum contract! What a steal! But yeah, at 29, they’ll definitely need to manage him throughout the regular season. But when he’s on the floor? Forget about it. This guy led the league with 3.9 deflections per game for players averaging under 20 minutes; Alex Caruso was way behind at 3.1. He also led Portland’s perimeter defense with two steals a night. Remember watching him swat at the guard-to-guard screen against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, reading the slip, deflecting the pass, and snagging a turnover? Or how he pounced on Giannis Antetokounmpo in the post, a cat-like swipe poking the ball out before he could even start his move? He’s a thorn in the side of every top ball-handler, holding his own against guys like Jaylen Brown, chasing around screens, negating advantages, and even blocking shots. His wingspan and textbook technique make him absolutely elite.
So, as training camp heats up, the biggest thing is keeping Thybulle healthy and unleashed. Imagine the havoc he’s gonna wreak, locking down opponents and creating turnovers around stars like Dončić and Reaves. This guy on a minimum deal? Get ready for a wild ride, because the league just got a whole lot tougher on the perimeter!
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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