L.A. Lakers Add Thybulle to Pursuit as Kuminga Talks Stall

Kuminga Pursuit Hits Snag

The Los Angeles Lakers remain tied to Atlanta Hawks free agent Jonathan Kuminga, but negotiations have reached an impasse. LA and Kuminga are divided over contract figures, while the Hawks and Lakers still disagree on a sign‑and‑trade structure. Sources say the stalemate is leaving the roster‑building group scrambling for a viable forward solution.

Kuminga would fill a critical gap for the Lakers, who currently have limited depth at the forward spots. Sandro Mamukelashvili and Adou Thiero are the only reliable options, offering size and speed only in small doses. Without a deal, the franchise risks entering the season short on frontline minutes.

Why the Lakers Are Eyeing Thybulle

With Kuminga’s future uncertain, Los Angeles has turned to Portland Trail Blazers forward Matisse Thybulle as a potential backup plan. NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Lakers are gauging the cost of a Thybulle contract this week. The move signals a renewed focus on perimeter defense, a area where the roster currently lacks depth.

Thybulle brings two All‑Defensive selections to the table, showcasing elite on‑ball pressure and rim protection. He averages at least 0.5 blocks and 1.2 steals in most seasons, traits that align with Los Angeles’s defensive identity. However, his recent injury history has made him a high‑risk, high‑reward option.

Thioubulle’s Resumé and Risk Factor

Thybulle’s defensive pedigree includes two All‑Defensive Team honors, underscoring his ability to guard multiple positions and generate steals. His block and steal averages have remained consistently above 0.5 and 1.2 respectively, offering the Lakers a potential stopper on the perimeter.

Injury concerns have limited his recent impact, with only 25 games recorded over the past two seasons. He posted more than 66 games only once, in 2022‑23, which raises questions about durability. Offensively, his shooting percentages fall well below league averages, making him a complementary piece rather than a primary option.

Historically, the Lakers have found success with similar defensive specialists, most notably Marcus Smart under JJ Redick. Smart’s ability to protect the rim and pressure opponents proved invaluable, suggesting that a carefully managed Thybulle contract could fit within Los Angeles’s strategic framework.

What It Means for LA’s Future

If the Kuminga deal collapses, adding Thybulle provides a stop‑gap solution at forward, addressing defensive depth while preserving roster flexibility. The Lakers must balance the risk of another injury‑prone contract against the potential defensive upgrades for a playoff push.

Examining the broader roster, Los Angeles still needs to shore up its frontcourt beyond the current two‑player core. A successful integration of either Kuminga or Thybulle could signal a competitive foundation for next season, while failure might force the front office to explore additional options in upcoming free agency.

Ultimately, the decisions made this summer will shape the Lakers’ trajectory, dictating whether they can build around a defensive backbone or remain in pursuit of a scoring‑forward upgrade. The next moves will be scrutinized by fans and analysts alike, as Los Angeles looks to capitalize on its remaining roster capital.