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Matisse Thybulle Agrees to One-Year, $3.3 Million Deal with Los Angeles Lakers After Portland Talks Stall
Free agent Matisse Thybulle agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, ESPN reported. The two-time All-Defensive forward chose the team to strengthen its wing defense after talks with coach JJ Redick and Luka Doncic.
Jul 21, 8:50 PM·1m read1 source
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After discussions about a return to the Portland Trail Blazers broke down, Matisse Thybulle agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources told ESPN. The two-time All-Defensive team member spoke with coach JJ Redick and Luka Doncic about the Lakers' interest and his potential role. Thybulle selected the opportunity to strengthen the team's wing defense.
Thybulle shot 41.8 percent from three-point range over the past two seasons in 45 games. He led the NBA in steals and deflections per 36 minutes last season among players who appeared in at least 20 games, according to ESPN Research. Entering his eighth NBA season, Thybulle discussed a return to the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Blazers offered non-guaranteed deals for most of free agency, sources said. The Lakers explored sign-and-trade scenarios with Portland that would have allowed a higher salary, but the sides could not reach an agreement. The signing brings the Lakers to 16 guaranteed contracts.
The team has until opening night in late October to pursue trades that could consolidate the roster. The Lakers also agreed to a two-way deal with forward Arthur Kaluma, agents Todd Ramasar and Mike Simonetta told ESPN. Kaluma spent the 2025-26 season in the Lakers' G League program and averaged nearly 19 points on 61 percent shooting and 50 percent from three-point range during the Las Vegas summer league in July.
