The Lakers have a medical plan in place for forward Matisse Thybulle that could include managing his workload throughout the 2026-27 season to keep him healthy for the most important stretch.
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The Los Angeles Lakers have a medical plan in place for Matisse Thybulle as the veteran wing prepares for his first season with the franchise, according to California Post reporter Khobi Price.
"They have a plan in place, and it's up to them, but also him, to make sure they stay disciplined with that plan and don't stray too far from it," Price said on the latest Buha's Block podcast episode hosted by NBA reporter Jovan Buha.
"I'm not sure if he's, at least as of right now in mid-October going into the start of the season, a guy that you even want to rely on to play starter minutes," Price added. "Let alone, is he a guy that you may have to sit out on a back-to-back or in those three-in-fours?"
"Are you going to have to manage him throughout the season so you can get his best games in March, April, and possibly beyond?"
The 29-year-old forward joined Los Angeles this offseason on a one-year, $3.3 million contract after spending the previous three-plus seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Last season, Thybulle averaged 5.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.0 steals in 16.0 minutes over 30 games.
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Injuries have limited Thybulle in recent seasons
Price stressed that Thybulle did not reveal the specifics of the Lakers' medical plan when asked about it.
"I asked – Matisse brought it up at media day – in terms of the Lakers having a good idea of what he needs from the medical side and having a plan in place," Price said.
"I followed up with that at the shootaround in Vegas. He didn't go into much detail about it, but it was basically like, they have a plan in place, and it's up to them, but also him, to make sure they stay disciplined with that plan and don't stray too far from it."
Thybulle has built his NBA reputation primarily on defense and earned All-Defensive Second Team honors in both 2021 and 2022.
However, the Australian wing has dealt with a series of injuries over the past two seasons, including knee, ankle, hip, and thumb issues.
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