Free agent Matisse Thybulle has signed a one-year, $3.3 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources told ESPN.
Thybulle, a two-time All-Defensive team member, spoke with JJ Redick and Luka Doncic about the Lakers’ desire to sign him and his role during the free agency period, and chose this opportunity to bolster the team’s wing defense.
Over the past two seasons, Thybulle has made 41.8 percent of his three-point attempts while playing in a total of 45 games. Last season, he also led the NBA in steals and deflections per 36 minutes among players with at least 20 games played, according to ESPN Research.
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Thybulle, who is entering his eighth NBA season, has discussed returning to the Portland Trail Blazers but believes the team hasn’t made a serious effort to retain him, offering non-guaranteed deals during much of the free agency period, sources said.
The Lakers also discussed sign-and-trade scenarios with the Trail Blazers that would have allowed Thybulle to earn a higher salary, but the parties were unable to reach an agreement.
The signing will give the Lakers roster 16 guaranteed salaries. The Lakers have until opening night in late October to explore trade options to consolidate their roster. Los Angeles also actively pursued unrestricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, but those talks did not advance, sources said.