Lakers roster full yet still recruiting! Yang Hansen's teammate becomes target: Sign Thybulle if they fail to get Kuminga?

As reported by noted journalist Stein on July 17, the Los Angeles Lakers have shown interest in free agent Matisse Thybulle this week, with Thybulle having been a teammate of Yang Hansen in Portland last season. Stein indicates that the Lakers are broadening their search in the free-agent market, aiming to enhance their outside defensive capabilities.

The Lakers currently have a full roster, with all 15 standard spots and 3 two-way contracts filled. However, if they can secure Thybulle, they are expected to be willing to make some adjustments to the current lineup.

Earlier reports suggested the Lakers are also interested in forward Jonathan Kuminga, but negotiations for a sign-and-trade with the Hawks have stalled. Nevertheless, the Lakers are still actively pursuing Kuminga. If they fail to land him, Thybulle could serve as a cheaper alternative.

After spending more than three seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, Thybulle is now a free agent. The 29-year-old is known for his versatile defense and was named to the All-Defensive Second Team in both 2021 and 2022. He averages 2.8 steals and 1.4 blocks per 36 minutes in his career.

According to NBA official data, when Thybulle was on the court last season, the Trail Blazers' defensive rating was 99.8; when he was off the court, it dropped to 114.8. However, due to inconsistent offensive performance and injury issues, Thybulle never secured a more significant role in the Blazers' rotation.

Over his seven-year NBA career, he has averaged 5.0 points per game, with shooting splits of 43.8% from the field, 34.9% from three, and 68.3% from the free-throw line. In the past two seasons, he has appeared in only 45 games out of a possible 164 team games.

If Thybulle can stay healthy moving forward, he remains an attractive option for the Lakers, who are in need of a defensive-minded player to complement Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.