The Lakers may consider including Bronny James in a trade package after Matisse Thybulle's signing pushed them to 16 guaranteed contracts.
The Los Angeles Lakers may be preparing for another roster move after signing Matisse Thybulle.
Bronny James
Position PG, SG
Age 21
Height 188 cm
Weight 95 kg
Birth place Akron, United States of America
According to NBA reporter Evan Sidery, the Lakers now have 16 players on standard contracts, one above the regular-season limit. As a result, Los Angeles must trade or waive at least one player before opening night.
Sidery suggested Bronny James could potentially be included in a sign-and-trade package if the Lakers pursue another rotational upgrade following LeBron James' departure.
However, his comments should be viewed as speculation rather than confirmation that Los Angeles is actively shopping the 21-year-old guard.
Bronny appeared in 42 games during the 2025-26 season, averaging 2.9 points, 1.2 assists, and 0.5 rebounds in 8.9 minutes per game. He shot 40.9% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range.
James, selected with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is set to earn a fully guaranteed $2.3 million during the 2026-27 season, while the Lakers hold a team option for 2027-28.
Credit AP - Scanpix
Thybulle chose Lakers after talks with Doncic and Redick
Thybulle agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract with the Lakers, adding another proven perimeter defender to their revamped roster.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the two-time All-Defensive Team selection spoke directly with head coach JJ Redick and Luka Doncic during free agency.
The conversations focused on the Lakers' desire to sign him and the role he would have in Los Angeles. Thybulle ultimately chose the opportunity as the team looked to strengthen its wing defense.
His arrival gives the Lakers another defender capable of taking difficult perimeter assignments alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves, but it also leaves the organization facing an unavoidable roster decision.
Credit AP Photo/Steve Dykes - Scanpix
Jonathan Kuminga pursuit remains stalled
Los Angeles also strongly pursued unrestricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, according to Charania, but those discussions have not progressed.
Kuminga had been viewed as the Lakers' highest-upside option for the starting forward position, although completing a deal would likely require a complicated sign-and-trade.
With the Kuminga talks stalled and the Lakers already carrying 16 guaranteed contracts, the franchise could now explore alternative trades to improve its rotation while simultaneously reducing the roster to the permitted limit.
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