Australian defensive ace Matisse Thybulle is reportedly headed for one of the NBA’s biggest stages.
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ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Tuesday (AEST) the 29-year-old Boomers star has agreed to a one-year, $US3.3 million ($A4.7m) deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The move gives the Lakers another proven perimeter defender as they continue to reshape their roster around Luka Dončić anid LeBron James’ departure, with Thybulle expected to add elite defensive versatility and reliable three-point shooting to J.J. Redick’s squad.
FILE - Portland Trail Blazers guard Matisse Thybulle gestures in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets, April 6, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
FILE - Portland Trail Blazers guard Matisse Thybulle gestures in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets, April 6, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)Source: AP
The 29-year-old arrives in Los Angeles after spending the past four seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. Injuries limited him to just 30 games last season as he battled hip, finger and knee issues, but when healthy, Thybulle remained one of the league’s premier defensive wings.
Over the past two seasons in Portland, Thybulle shot an impressive 41.8 per cent from beyond the arc, while last season he averaged two steals per game, showcasing the defensive instincts that earned him two NBA All-Defensive Team selections earlier in his career.
According to Charania, Thybulle held conversations with Lakers head coach J.J. Redick and superstar Dončić, with both outlining their vision for his role as Los Angeles looked to strengthen its wing depth this offseason.
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While Thybulle did discuss a return to Portland, Charania reported the Trail Blazers never made a significant push to retain him, instead offering non-guaranteed contracts for much of free agency.
The Lakers also explored sign-and-trade scenarios with Portland that would have allowed Thybulle to secure a larger contract, but the two franchises were unable to reach an agreement.
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The move also presents a significant opportunity for the Australian international, who was a surprise omission from the Boomers squad for the 2024 Paris Olympics despite playing a key role in Australia’s historic bronze-medal campaign at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
With the 2027 FIBA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, a prominent role with one of the NBA’s marquee franchises gives Thybulle the perfect platform to force his way back into the Boomers set up.
PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 13: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass as Matisse Thybulle #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers defends during the third quarter at Moda Center on February 13, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Amanda Loman/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 13: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass as Matisse Thybulle #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers defends during the third quarter at Moda Center on February 13, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Amanda Loman/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
The signing leaves the Lakers with 16 guaranteed contracts, meaning further roster moves are expected before opening night in late October. Los Angeles also remained heavily linked with unrestricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, although Charania reports those negotiations have yet to gain momentum.