Getty
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 09: Magic Johnson reacts as he speaks to the press resigning as Los Angeles Lakers President of Basketball Operations before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on April 09, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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.
Earlier this month, the Los Angeles Lakers signed Matisse Thybulle.
The 29-year-old had spent the last four seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.
He finished the year with averages of 5.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals per contest while shooting 43.3% from the field and 39.8% from three-point range in 30 games.
ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote (on July 20): “Free agent forward Matisse Thybulle has agreed on one-year, $3.3 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN.”
Shams Charania
Free agent forward Matisse Thybulle has agreed on one-year, $3.3 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN.
Magic Johnson Reacts To Signing
GettyLos Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Earvin “Magic” Johnson watches the Lakers take on the Boston Celtics during the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 8, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
On Sunday night, Lakers legend Magic Johnson sent out several posts about the Lakers’ recent moves.
He mentioned Thybulle.
Johnson’s 1st Post: “I said this offseason the Lakers had to get younger, more athletic, and faster, and they did just that.”
Earvin Magic Johnson
I said this offseason the Lakers had to get younger, more athletic, and faster, and they did just that.
Johnson’s 2nd Post: “We got a young, athletic center in Walker Kessler who can score and is a great rim protector, and I was so happy they signed two-time All Defensive player Matisse Thybulle!”
Earvin Magic Johnson
We got a young, athletic center in Walker Kessler who can score and is a great rim protector, and I was so happy they signed two-time All Defensive player Matisse Thybulle!
Johnson’s 3rd Post: “I’ve enjoyed watching the two young players Collin Sexton and Quentin Grimes. Sexton’s speed and quickness, and Grimes’ scoring and defense make them two great pickups for the Lakers!”
Earvin Magic Johnson
I’ve enjoyed watching the two young players Collin Sexton and Quentin Grimes. Sexton’s speed and quickness, and Grimes’ scoring and defense make them two great pickups for the Lakers!
Looking At Thybulle
GettyMatisse Thybulle #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers dunks against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at the Scotiabank Arena on April 3, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Thybulle was the 20th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Washington.
Before the Trail Blazers, he had spent part of four seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers.
In 2021 and 2022, Thybulle was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in back-to-back years.
GettyMatisse Thybulle #22 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates his three point shot in the first half against the Brooklyn Nets during a preseason game at Barclays Center on October 03, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
Thybulle is an excellent low-risk addition to the Lakers heading into the 2026-27 season.
His career averages are 5.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.6 steals per contest while shooting 43.8% from the field and 34.9% from three-point range in 377 games.
He has also appeared in 29 NBA playoff games (two starts).
Looking At The Lakers
The Lakers will have a much different roster next season following their new additions (and the departure of LeBron James).
They are coming off a year where they lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the 2026 NBA playoffs.