Lakers pursue wing additions
The Los Angeles Lakers have been actively seeking a starting wing player to fill the role previously held by LeBron James, who departed the team after eight seasons. The relationship between James and the Lakers reportedly faded over time, leading to his decision not to return to the organization. In their search for a new wing, the Lakers showed interest in acquiring Jonathan Kuminga.
Reports indicated a mutual free agent interest between Kuminga and the Lakers. The team was working to secure Kuminga’s commitment as a new wing addition, with momentum building for several weeks around his potential acquisition. However, the two sides were unable to finalize an agreement.
Thybulle signs with Los Angeles
On Monday morning, the Lakers shifted their focus and signed Matisse Thybulle to a one-year, $3.3 million deal. This agreement was confirmed by sources to ESPN. Thybulle, a two-time All-Defensive team member, reportedly discussed the Lakers’ interest and his potential role with JJ Redick and Luka Doncic during free agency before making his decision.
The decision to sign Thybulle appears to be a direct response to the Lakers’ need for improved perimeter defense, especially as negotiations with Kuminga slowed. Sources suggested that the Lakers and Kuminga were far apart on terms, and Los Angeles was not overly motivated to commit significant draft capital for a sign-and-trade scenario.
Thybulle’s signing brings the Lakers’ roster to 16 players for the upcoming 2026-27 season. His individual cap hit for the year is $3,300,000. Other players on the roster include Luka Dončić ($49,488,300), Austin Reaves ($41,240,250), Walker Kessler ($30,108,821), Quentin Grimes ($13,953,489), Sandro Mamukelashvili ($13,000,000), Jarred Vanderbilt ($12,428,571), Collin Sexton ($9,366,000), Jaden Hardy ($6,000,000), Jake LaRavia ($6,000,000), Dalton Knecht ($4,201,080), Cameron Carr ($3,315,360), Kevon Looney ($2,449,421), Ziaire Williams ($2,449,421), Bronny James ($2,296,271), and Adou Thiero ($2,150,917).
Impact on Kuminga negotiations
The timing of Thybulle’s deal coincides with reports that momentum has stalled in discussions with free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga. While Thybulle and Kuminga are not identical players, the acquisition of Thybulle may reduce the Lakers’ flexibility moving forward. With the team now at its roster limit, any further additions would necessitate a trade or the release of a player currently under contract.
Kuminga previously held a $46 million contract with the Hawks and was part of an NBA championship-winning team during his tenure with Golden State, though his time with that franchise concluded abruptly. The Lakers’ addition of Thybulle suggests they may not be willing to engage in a prolonged negotiation process for Kuminga. The team may now perceive itself as being on the outside regarding Kuminga after securing multiple wing players this offseason.
Thybulle’s career includes encouraging offensive signs, as he shot 41.1 percent from beyond the arc over the past two seasons. However, he logged only 45 combined appearances since the 2024-25 season and had a limited impact in the Portland Trail Blazers’ first-round playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 1.8 points and 2.0 rebounds in 13.3 minutes per contest, with a shooting percentage of 2-of-14 from the field. Despite these statistics, the Lakers believe Thybulle will boost their perimeter defense and potentially offer floor spacing, representing a strategic use of $3.3 million.
The Lakers have also reportedly inquired with the Dallas Mavericks about PJ Washington as a potential alternative at the wing position, indicating that Los Angeles is not finished making aggressive moves this summer. The agreement with Matisse Thybulle was announced on July 20, 2026.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.