Lakers sign Matisse Thybulle to one-year $3.3M deal

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed veteran wing Matisse Thybulle to a one-year contract, the team's latest move to bolster its defense ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season. The agreement, reached on Monday, July 20, 2026, is valued at $3.3 million.

Thybulle, 29, is a two-time All-Defensive team honoree known for his elite perimeter defense. He averaged 5.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game in 30 appearances for the Portland Trail Blazers last season. His defensive prowess is expected to fill a key need for the Lakers, who have undergone an offseason roster overhaul. Sources indicate Thybulle had conversations with head coach JJ Redick and star player Luka Doncic about his potential role before finalizing the deal.

The 6-foot-5 forward enters his eighth NBA season after being the 20th overall pick in the 2019 draft by the Boston Celtics, who traded him the following day to the Philadelphia 76ers. He spent three and a half seasons with Philadelphia before a 2023 trade sent him to Portland. While primarily valued for his defense, Thybulle has also shown improved shooting from beyond the arc recently, making over 41 percent of his three-point attempts over the last two...