The Los Angeles Lakers have found themselves in the headlines a lot this summer. From the team being sold for ten billion to the LeBron James drama, the Lakers have been the center of attention…again.
Underneath all of that, LA has made some low-risk moves this summer. They signed DeAndre Ayton to a two-year deal to shore up their center spot. They signed Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart to improve their bench. In the draft, they selected Adou Thiero, a highly athletic wing with upside to be a real rotation piece for them this season.
The Lakers may not have made a move for a star, but they rounded out their roster with more size, defense, and versatility, all things that were missing from their playoff run. With the Luka era beginning, they need to shore up their weaknesses. Before they wrap it up for this offseason, there is one more move they should make.
The Lakers must target Blazers forward Matisse Thybulle
Portland has a crowded wing depth chart with Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, Shaedon Sharpe, and others, leaving Thybylle expendable. LA has had reported interest in Thybulle in the past, and he would be the perfect defensive fit for this team.
Thybulle only played 15 games last season, as he dealt with knee and ankle issues. In the games he did play, he showed that he is still one of the better perimeter defenders in the league. Thybulle averaged four deflections per game and held opponents to 19 percent three-point shooting. 19 percent. That was not a typo.
Thybulle has the ability to guard one through four and is great at using his length at 6’8” to create steal and get players off schedule.
Thybulle has also grown as a three-point shooter over the years, something he struggled with earlier in his career. In his last full season, he shot 38 percent on catch-and-shoot looks and 38 percent on corner threes. In the 15 games he played last year, he shot 44 percent from three-point range and 43 percent on catch-and-shoot looks.
Thybulle is the missing piece the Lakers need
Losing Dorian Finney-Smith in free agency was a huge blow for LA. He was their best perimeter stopper last season, and his versatility helped the Lakers’ defense stay afloat. Adding Thybulle softens that blow tremendously, and along with the addition of Smart and a return to form for Jarred Vanderbilt, LA would suddenly have a strong perimeter defense trio.
Thybulle is also on an expiring $11 million deal, which is ideal for the Lakers. LA wants to maintain its cap flexibility for the 2026 and 2027 offseasons, which is why the deals they have signed players to are for one to two years. The Lakers also have expiring contracts in Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber to match the deal of Thybulle
The Mavs provided the model for how to build a team around Doncic. Surrounding him with athleticism, versatility, and size is key. Thybulle helps accomplish that goal and improves the Lakers at their weakest position on the roster.
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July 27, 2025 | 11:00 am
