Lakers predicted to sign $33 million ex-76ers defensive star

The Los Angeles Lakers landed arguably one of the best second-unit centers on the diminishing free agent market on Tuesday. 

Los Angeles signed former Golden State Warriors elite rebounder and three-time NBA champion Kevon Looney to a one-year deal, giving Walker Kessler a reliable backup for at least one season. The Lakers are still eyeing an impactful wing to strengthen their perimeter play, though, and they have their sights set on former Golden State Warriors lottery pick Jonathan Kuminga. 

If Kuminga elects to sign elsewhere, Lakers insider Jovan Buha thinks that the franchise could sign a former Philadelphia 76ers defensive star.

“I think Matisse Thybulle is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league,” Buha said Monday. While discussing the Lakers' most realistic wing targets. “He’s not as good as he was a few years ago, but still really good.”

There’s a reason why Thybulle was named to two NBA All-Defensive second teams during his 3.5-year stint with the 76ers. 

In addition to being an attentive off-ball defender, the Washington product proved to be an on-ball defensive menace who used his quick hands, non-stop activity, and manipulation tactics to wreak havoc on opponents. Thybulle, who boasts a remarkable 108.5 defensive rating for his career, averaged 1.4 steals in 245 contests with the 76ers.

As Buha noted, the 29-year-old hasn’t been as dominant defensively since departing the 76ers in 2023, and he’s never been a game-changing offensive contributor. That said, he’s still a fallback option the Lakers should keep on the back burner.

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