Matisse Thybulle Signs $3.3M Deal with Los Angeles Lakers

A Senior Defensive Talent Joins the Lakers

Two‑time Second Team All‑Defense honoree Matisse Thybulle has inked a one‑year, $3.3 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to a Monday report. The former Washington Huskies star met with coach JJ Redick and guard Luka Doncic to discuss the opportunity as the franchise rebuilds after LeBron James departed in free agency. Lakers executives viewed Thybulle as an important target to reinforce their defensive core.

The signing came after talks about a sign‑and‑trade with the Portland Trail Blazers fell through; that option would have boosted Thybulle’s earnings. ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the news, noting the deal caps off a day of roster moves for Los Angeles. Thybulle’s arrival signals the Lakers’ focus on adding versatile defenders to complement their rising talent pool.

Professional Stats and Injury Challenges

During his first seven NBA seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers and Portland Trail Blazers, Thybulle averaged 5 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. Over the past two campaigns, injuries limited him to just 45 appearances, curtailing his impact on the court. When healthy, he has established a reputation as one of the league’s premier 3‑and‑D players.

His three‑point shooting climbed to 41 percent over the last two years, underscoring his shooting versatility. According to ESPN, Thybulle led the league in steals and deflections per 36 minutes among players who logged at least 20 games in the 2025‑26 season. These numbers highlight his potential to become a key rotational defender for the Lakers.

Why the Lakers See Value in Thybulle

Los Angeles is constructing a new roster around superstar Luka Doncic, and Thybulle provides a defensive skill set that fits that vision. The Lakers’ front office targeted Thybulle specifically for his ability to guard multiple positions and generate steals. His experience in high‑level competition could serve as a mentor for the team’s developing wings.

The potential sign‑and‑trade with Portland indicated that Thybulle’s market value may have been higher, but the sides could not finalize a deal. This negotiation suggests the Lakers opted for a straightforward contract to avoid complicating logistics. By securing Thybulle, the Lakers add depth without sacrificing flexibility.

Washington Legacy and Steal‑Record Milestone

Thybulle’s college career at Washington produced a program record of 331 career steals, with a standout season of 126 steals in his final year of 2019. Those numbers cemented his status as a defensive cornerstone for the Huskies. The transition to the NBA continues a trajectory that began with his collegiate dominance.

The defensive accolades and college achievements provide Thybulle with credibility among league scouts, reinforcing why the Lakers pursued him. His track record of producing consistent steals suggests he can translate that intensity to the professional level. Moving forward, Thybulle will aim to rebuild his NBA résumé while helping Los Angeles reshape its defensive identity.