The Newest Lakers: Matisse Thybulle and Arthur Kaluma
The Lakers have had one of their busiest offseasons in recent years, and they’re still not done yet.
Add Depth with Matisse Thybulle
The Lakers agreed to terms with two more players this week to bolster their depth chart. Firstly, they added 6’5″ guard Matisse Thybulle. Thybulle will sign for a one-year, $3.3 million deal with Los Angeles after spending a few seasons in Portland.
Thybulle has a reputation as an elite perimeter defender and has steadily improved his shot from beyond the arc over the course of his career. He shot 39.8% from three last season and 43.8% from deep the season prior on roughly 3.15 attempts per game.
Thybulle spent his first 3 seasons in Philadelphia and his last four with the Blazers. He has unfortunately dealt with numerous injuries over the last several years, which has limited him to playing only 45 games combined in the last two seasons. Marcus Smart came to the Lakers last offseason with similar injury concerns, and he ended up working out for the better.
After all, Thybulle is on a veteran minimum contract. With these sort of “prove it” deals, players are typically betting on re-upping their value while the team, on the other hand, is banking on a “low-risk, high reward” return on their investment.
Kaluma Secures a Two-Way Deal
The Lakers also signed Arthur Kaluma to a two-way deal after his standout performances in the Las Vegas Summer League. Kaluma spent all of last season in the G League playing for the South Bay Lakers. The Lakers signed the 6’7 forward before another team swooped in to offer him a contract. Kaluma averaged 17.3 points, 55% shooting, and 3.7 rebounds in 22.9 minutes.
The Lakers have filled their maximum of three two-way contracts; those deals don’t count as an official roster spot. The Matisse Thybulle signing, however, brings the Lakers’ official roster to 16 players. Teams are allowed to carry 20 players all the way through training camp but can only head into the season with a maximum of 15 spots. So, more moves will have to be made.
Rob Pelinka Still Pursuing Kuminga
The Lakers are still looking to fill that starting Power Forward position, which ironically would’ve been perfect for LeBron James to slot into. Now that James has agreed to join the 76ers, more free agent dominoes may start to fall, including Jonathan Kuminga. Anthony Slater reported on ESPN that the Lakers “keep calling” about Kuminga. The Lakers have been actively pursuing him for the last several weeks, figuring out a pathway to land him.
Kuminga is also reportedly receiving interest from the Clippers, Bucks and Cavs.
Dan Woike reports that the Lakers are also keeping an eye on the market for another backup big man to add alongside Kevon Looney and Walker Kessler.
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