Lakers reach agreement to lock in Thybulle for a one-year, $3.3 million contract

July 22 - According to ESPN , free agent Mattis Thybulle has reached a one-year, $ 3.3 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Sources revealed that Thybulle communicated with Lakers head coach JJ Redick and star player Luka Doncic during free agency to understand the team's needs for him and his future role. Ultimately, the defensive forward chose to join the Lakers, hoping to help the team improve its perimeter defense.

Thybulle, a two-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection , is one of the league's top perimeter defenders. Over the past two seasons, he has played 45 games, shooting 41.8% from three-point range . According to ESPN , last season, among players who played at least 20 games, Thybulle ranked among the league's best in steals and disrupted passes per game, averaging 36 minutes.

Thybulle, who is about to enter his eighth NBA season, had previously considered returning to the Portland Trail Blazers, but sources revealed that he believes the Blazers are not actively seeking to retain him, and that the team mainly offered him non-guaranteed contracts during free agency.

The Lakers had previously discussed a sign-and-trade deal with the Trail Blazers in hopes of helping Thybulle get a higher salary, but the two sides ultimately failed to reach an agreement.

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