The Los Angeles Lakers have been more active this offseason than they have been in recent years. With LeBron James expected to depart, the franchise has officially shifted into the Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves era as it builds for the future.
James informed the organization that he would not be returning for a ninth season in Los Angeles. Instead, he will enter free agency ahead of his 24th NBA season.
“LeBron James will return for an unprecedented 24th season in the NBA -- but it won't be with the Los Angeles Lakers. James has informed the Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania on Tuesday,” ESPN wrote.
The Lakers have been searching for a wing who can help replace some of the production James provided over the past eight seasons. Jonathan Kuminga has been at the top of Los Angeles' wish list.
“There is mutual free agent interest between Jonathan Kuminga and the Lakers, per Jovan Buha. Los Angeles continues to work behind the scenes to secure Kuminga’s commitment as their new wing addition,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
The Lakers and Kuminga have yet to reach an agreement, with part of the delay believed to stem from James not having made his free agency decision. However, a recent report indicated Los Angeles is also showing interest in veteran wing Matisse Thybulle.
“The Lakers have again broadened their search for perimeter defense, league sources say, registering interest this week in free agent Matisse Thybulle. They have already added Ziaire Williams while also continuing to pursue Jonathan Kuminga,” The Stein Line’s Marc Stein wrote.
The report suggests the Lakers are not putting all of their focus on Kuminga and are continuing to explore other options on the wing. Thybulle would provide Los Angeles with one of the league's better perimeter defenders while giving the veteran an opportunity to contribute to a playoff contender.
Thybulle has earned a little more than $45 million in NBA contracts during his career. If signing him ultimately takes the Lakers out of the running for Kuminga, the biggest downside is that Thybulle would not provide the same level of offensive production that the former NBA champion is capable of bringing.
More NBA news:
Heat predicted to miss on ex-Laker LeBron James, land $342M 3-time All-Star, 14-year veteran
NBA commissioner Adam Silver presses ex-Laker LeBron James to make free agency decision
Ex-Laker LeBron James reveals free agency decision timeline for Warriors, Heat, Cavaliers, 76ers
Warriors reportedly long shots for ex-Laker LeBron James behind Cavaliers, Heat, 76ers