One of the most underrated signings the Los Angeles Lakers made over the summer was bringing in defensive-minded wing Matisse Thybulle.
With one-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart deciding to sign with the Houston Rockets in free agency, the Lakers lost their best perimeter defender, who is not easy to replace.
However, the Lakers may have found an ideal replacement, with Thybulle coming in on a veteran minimum contract. The veteran newcomer has already turned heads during training camp, while also showing head coach JJ Redick how he can make an impact defensively.
Over the past couple of years, Thybulle has dealt with a lot of injuries issues, playing in only 45 regular-season games during the past two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Even though that will obviously be a significant concern for Redick and his coaching staff during the 2026-27 campaign, the third-year head coach knows that Thybulle is a special player when healthy, via Benjamin Royer of the OC Register.
“Matisse is such a unique player; he just really is,” Redick said. “I think our guys, hopefully, at some point this season, will pick up on the fact that if he's in the passing lane, you shou...