Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Lakers have had one of their busiest offseasons in recent years and they’re still not done yet.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Lakers agreed to terms with two more players this week to bolster their depth chart. Firstly, they add 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 of being 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 delt 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.
Afterall, 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 sign 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 their maximum of three two-way contracts filled; 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 15 spots maximum. So, more moves will have to be made.
Rob Pelinka Still Pursuit of 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 since James has agreed to join the 76ers, more free agent dominos 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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Hello there! I’m Tyler. Basketball has been a passion of mine since I was a small kid and I’ve … More about Tyler Bazan Tags: arthur kaluma Bucks Cavaliers Clippers jonathan kuminga Lakers LeBron James Los Angeles Lakers Matisse Thybulle nba free agency NBA offseason Portland Trailblazers
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