Rob Pelinka has done it again, adding another valuable piece to the Lakers’ rotation at a low price.
The Lakers signed defensive stalwart Matisse Thybulle to a one-year, $3.3 million deal. Acquiring his services for such a small price is one of the reasons the Lakers will be a top-five seed in the Western Conference next year.
Lakers Bring In a True P.O.A. Defender
Knowing the Lakers’ defensive struggles last season, they needed to fortify their perimeter this summer. It would’ve been obtuse for Pelinka to ignore it.
They finished last season ranked 20th in defensive rating; signing Thybulle after acquiring Quentin Grimes will certainly change things. If they were serious about chasing a title in this current landscape, adding these two was vital.
Having a defender like Thybulle in the second unit creates so much optionality that they will need for the 2027 Playoffs.
If Grimes starts, he’ll be the primary perimeter defender as a small forward, but if he gets overwhelmed, JJ Redick can put Matisse alongside him.
Utilizing both in a double team is a recipe for disaster for offensive opponents. While Grimes has a moderate wingspan at 6-foot-8, Thybulle’s is monstrous for his size at 7-feet. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing a little over 200 pounds, he has all the tools to provide useful minutes.
Nonetheless, he does have offensive weaknesses.
Matisse Thybulle’s Offensive Struggles
It’s been well documented that Matisse Thybulle struggles as a shot creator, but he’s been a solid three-point shooter when given the opportunities.
His minutes have been relatively sporadic throughout his career, but this was largely due to his weaknesses. If asking him to knock down one to two 3-pointers per game is too much, this will be Thybulle’s sole year in Los Angeles.
Most of his responsibility will be on the defensive end, so he’s truly in a comfortable role.
Signing Thybulle an Easy Decision for Lakers
Regardless of his offense, the trade-off is a no-brainer for the Lakers. The defense will provide stability throughout the season, and if he doesn’t live up to his substandard expectations, his contract is only $3.3 million.
It’s a safe contingency plan knowing his injury history, but he should fulfill his role rather nicely. Thybulle’s dedication to his ball clubs is apparent, and it’ll be amplified with the Lakers.
All of their new acquisitions have expressed excitement to represent the team, and Thybulle can become a piece of the future if he can remain healthy.
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