The Los Angeles Lakers are making a low-stakes bet on Matisse Thybulle.
The 29-year-old wing known for his elite defensive skills is the latest addition to the Lakers’ offseason roster overhaul, according to ESPN, after agreeing a one-year deal with the team on Monday, July 20.
Thybulle is seen as a potential fit as part of the Lakers’ wing rotation due to his versatility as a defender and a 3-point shot that improved since earlier in his career. He has also struggled to remain healthy in recent seasons and his addition leaves the Lakers with at least one player too many under contract heading into the 2026-27 campaign. Yet it’s still far from certain Thybulle can be a viable option alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Here’s what to know about Thybulle’s signing with the Lakers, including contract details, the team’s current roster and what it means for the franchise moving forward:
More: Did Lakers lose or win free agency? Grading massive roster overhaul.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Dec 28, 2021.
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Look back at LeBron James’ iconic Lakers moments
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Dec 28, 2021.
(Troy Taormina, Imagn Images)
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Look back at LeBron James’ iconic Lakers moments
LeBron James answers a question during an interview session with reporters during the Los Angeles Lakers media day at the UCLA Health Training Center on Sept. 24, 2018 during his first season with the team.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James goes up for a dunk in the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center on Oct. 27, 2019.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James celebrates after a dunk by guard Danny Green during the second quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Staples Center on Nov. 17, 2019.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James takes center court to speak to fans before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on Jan. 31, 2020.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James gestures to a referee after a foul call during the first quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on Feb. 21, 2020
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Look back at LeBron James’ iconic Lakers moments
LeBron James and Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers in a Black Lives Matter Shirt kneel with their teammates during the national anthem prior to the game against the LA Clippers at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on July 30, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. on July 30, 2020.
(Pool photo by Mike Ehrmann via Imagn Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) holds up four fingers after winning his fourth NBA championship after game six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena on Oct. 11, 2020.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James reacts after receiving 2020 NBA Championship ring before a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on Dec. 22, 2020.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
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Look back at LeBron James’ iconic Lakers moments
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James lands on fans sitting court side as he dives after a ball in the second half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on Jan. 24, 2023
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images)
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Former Los Angeles Lakers player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar hands the game ball to forward LeBron James (6) after James becomes the NBA all time scoring leader against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 7, 2023.
(Gary A. Vasquez, Imagn Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) with forward Anthony Davis (3) during a stoppage in play against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on April 11, 2023.
(Gary A. Vasquez, Imagn Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dunks the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center on Nov. 27, 2023.
(Bill Streicher, Imagn Images)
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Look back at LeBron James’ iconic Lakers moments
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James shoots the ball against New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) in the NBA In Season Tournament Semifinal at T-Mobile Arena on Dec. 7, 2023.
(Kyle Terada, Imagn Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) warms up on the court prior to he start of the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on Jan. 30, 2024.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James prepares for the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Mar. 31, 2024.
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) scores a basket against the Miami Heat as center Jaxson Hayes (11) reacts during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on Jan. 15, 2025.
(Gary A. Vasquez, Imagn Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dribbles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 25, 2025.
(Gary A. Vasquez, Imagn Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots past Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) and Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) during the second half at American Airlines Center on April 9, 2025.
(Kevin Jairaj, Imagn Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic in the first quarter at Kia Center on Mar. 21, 2026.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after dunking the ball against the Orlando Magic in the first quarter at Kia Center on Mar. 21, 2026.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket as Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) defends during the first half at American Airlines Center on April 5, 2026.
(Kevin Jairaj, Imagn Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots the ball against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) and guard Amen Thompson (1) in the second half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 18, 2026.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
Matisse Thybulle contract details
Matisse Thybulle signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $3.3 million, according to ESPN.
How Thybulle fits with Luka Doncic, Lakers
Thybulle helps address the Lakers’ lingering hole on the wing after they couldn’t land a higher profile option to supplement Doncic and Reaves moving forward. Thybulle’s versatility as a defender will help cover up some of the deficiencies the team must navigate fielding a backcourt that won’t feature an on-ball defensive stopper. His improved 3-point shot could make him valuable in crunch time after being a liability at times during high-leverage moments early in his NBA career.
Thybulle’s long-term availability is also a wild card for his success in Los Angeles, and why he’s only earning a veteran’s minimum salary. He’s played in just 49 games (including this year’s playoffs) across the past two seasons with the Trail Blazers, though he did end the 2026 postseason healthy and playing in the team’s rotation. The Lakers also recently signed Ziaire Williams to provide depth along the wing and were reported to be pursuing free agent Jonathan Kuminga.
How the pecking order shakes out will be an intriguing storyline when training camp begins.
Why the Lakers face a roster crunch
The Laker now have 16 players under contract and will have to get that down to 15 by the start of the 2026-27 regular season. NBA teams are permitted to carry as many as 20 players on their official roster (including two-way contracts) until the beginning of the regular season.
The Lakers’ front office could achieve this be releasing a player or through a trade to consolidate the roster.
Who could lose a roster spot after Thybulle signing?
The Lakers have already reportedly explored trades involving former first-round pick Dalton Knecht this offseason, and he remains a candidate to be dealt to another team in the weeks and months ahead. Guard Jaden Hardy is also on an expiring deal and in the midst of a crowded backcourt situation after the Lakers signed Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton. Forward Jake LaRavia could be easier to trade after a productive season as a role player.
Forward Jarred Vanderbilt also has a $13.2-million player option for the 2027-28 season and could either be traded or released via the NBA’s waive and stretch provision. The Lakers would likely have to attach additional assets to deal Vanderbilt to another team given his age and salary commitments.
It’s a possibility. It would address the team’s roster crunch and create a potential path for Bronny James to play with his father, LeBron James, whenever he picks a new team in NBA free agency. But while speculation persists about a potential reunion, there has been no indication that the Lakers are attempting to trade Bronny James following his father’s decision to leave the franchise.
Bronny James is signed for this season, with a team option worth about $2.5 million for the 2027-28 season as part of the rookie contract he signed with the Lakers after being selected in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.
Lakers roster after 2026 NBA free agency
*signed during 2026 NBA offseason**2026 NBA Draft pick
Matisse Thybulle stats
Matisse Thybulle averaged 5.8 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steals per game over 30 regular-season games with the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2025-26 season. He shot 39.8% from 3-point range and ended the campaign healthy after playing in the team’s final 25 games before the playoffs. Thybulle will be entering his eighth NBA season after he was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lakers add Matisse Thybulle to fill weak spot, but create roster crunch
