Free agent forward Matisse Thybulle is headed to the Los Angeles Lakers after agreeing to a one-year contract worth $3.3 million, sources told ESPN.
Thybulle, a two-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection, had conversations with head coach JJ Redick and star guard Luka Doncic during free agency about Los Angeles’ interest and the role the franchise envisioned for him. He ultimately chose the Lakers as the team looks to strengthen its perimeter and wing defense.
While known first for his disruptive defense, Thybulle has also shown improvement as a floor spacer, connecting on 41.8% of his 3-point attempts across the past two seasons while playing in 45 games. According to ESPN Research, he led the league last season in steals and deflections per 36 minutes among players who appeared in at least 20 games.
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Thybulle, who is set to begin his eighth NBA season, also explored a possible return to the Portland Trail Blazers. However, sources said he came away believing Portland did not make a strong push to keep him, with the team offering mostly non-guaranteed contracts through much of free agency.
The Lakers and Trail Blazers also held discussions about potential sign-and-trade options that could have allowed Thybulle to land a larger payday, but the two sides were unable to finalize an agreement.
With Thybulle’s addition, the Lakers now have 16 players on guaranteed contracts. Los Angeles will have until opening night in late October to consider roster-consolidating trades. Sources also said the Lakers made a serious run at unrestricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, though those discussions have not advanced.
The Lakers made another move Monday night, agreeing to a two-way NBA contract with forward Arthur Kaluma, agents Todd Ramasar and Mike Simonetta of Life Sports Agency said. Kaluma, who was part of the Lakers’ G League program in 2025-26, impressed during Las Vegas summer league this month by averaging nearly 19 points while shooting 61% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc.
