The 29-year-old wing known for his elite defensive skills is the latest addition to the Lakers' offseason roster overhaul, according to ESPN, after agreeing a one-year deal with the team on Monday, July 20.
Thybulle is seen as a potential fit as part of the Lakers' wing rotation due to his versatility as a defender and a 3-point shot that improved since earlier in his career. He has also struggled to remain healthy in recent seasons and his addition leaves the Lakers with at least one player too many under contract heading into the 2026-27 campaign. Yet it's still far from certain Thybulle can be a viable option alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Here's what to know about Thybulle's signing with the Lakers, including contract details, the team's current roster and what it means for the franchise moving forward:
Matisse Thybulle signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $3.3 million, according to ESPN.
How Thybulle fits with Luka Doncic, Lakers
Thybulle helps address the Lakers' lingering hole on the wing after they couldn't land a higher profile option to supplement Doncic and Reaves moving forward. Thybulle's versatility as a defender will help cover up some of the deficiencies the team must navigate fielding a backcourt that won't feature an on-ball defensive stopper. His improved 3-point shot could make him valuable in crunch time after being a liability at times during high-leverage moments early in his NBA career.
Thybulle's long-term availability is also a wild card for his success in Los Angeles, and why he's only earning a veteran's minimum salary. He's played in just 49 games (including this year's playoffs) across the past two seasons with the Trail Blazers, though he did end the 2026 postseason healthy and playing in the team's rotation. The Lakers also recently signed Ziaire Williams to provide depth along the wing and were reported to be pursuing free agent Jonathan Kuminga.
How the pecking order shakes out will be an intriguing storyline when training camp begins.
Why the Lakers face a roster crunch
The Laker now have 16 players under contract and will have to get that down to 15 by the start of the 2026-27 regular season. NBA teams are permitted to carry as many as 20 players on their official roster (including two-way contracts) until the beginning of the regular season.
The Lakers' front office could achieve this be releasing a player or through a trade to consolidate the roster.
Who could lose a roster spot after Thybulle signing?
The Lakers have already reportedly explored trades involving former first-round pick Dalton Knecht this offseason, and he remains a candidate to be dealt to another team in the weeks and months ahead. Guard Jaden Hardy is also on an expiring deal and in the midst of a crowded backcourt situation after the Lakers signed Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton. Forward Jake LaRavia could be easier to trade after a productive season as a role player.
Forward Jarred Vanderbilt also has a $13.2-million player option for the 2027-28 season and could either be traded or released via the NBA's waive and stretch provision. The Lakers would likely have to attach additional assets to deal Vanderbilt to another team given his age and salary commitments.
Could Lakers trade Bronny James?
It's a possibility. It would address the team's roster crunch and create a potential path for Bronny James to play with his father, LeBron James, whenever he picks a new team in NBA free agency. But while speculation persists about a potential reunion, there has been no indication that the Lakers are attempting to trade Bronny James following his father's decision to leave the franchise.
Bronny James is signed for this season, with a team option worth about $2.5 million for the 2027-28 season as part of the rookie contract he signed with the Lakers after being selected in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft.
Lakers roster after 2026 NBA free agency
G Luka Doncic
G Austin Reaves
G Quentin Grimes*
G Collin Sexton*
G Bronny James
G Jaden Hardy
G Cameron Carr**
F Ziaire Williams*
F Jarred Vanderbilt
F Matisse Thybulle*
F Jake LaRavia
F Dalton Knecht
F Sandro Mamukelashvili*
F Adou Thiero
F/C Kevon Looney*
C Walker Kessler*
*signed during 2026 NBA offseason**2026 NBA Draft pick
Matisse Thybulle stats
Matisse Thybulle averaged 5.8 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steals per game over 30 regular-season games with the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2025-26 season. He shot 39.8% from 3-point range and ended the campaign healthy after playing in the team's final 25 games before the playoffs. Thybulle will be entering his eighth NBA season after he was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Although this past NBA season marked the first time ESPN held the rights to “Inside the NBA,” the show’s core still remained the same.
There were still the typical pieces of insightful analysis, a fair share of viral moments and, of course, some awkwardly tense moments between analysts. While NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley often toe the line of hurling insults that could be considered personal at one another, the most awkward moment from the show might have been between Barkley and Draymond Green.
The Warriors star fired a jab at Barkley’s tenure with the Houston Rockets at the end of his Hall of Fame career, while the group discussed how difficult it was to win in your late 30s. This prompted an onslaught of posts calling out Green for the disrespect, and also led to Barkley giving the Golden State star a reality check on a recent “Pardon My Take” episode.
“Draymond is a good player, I was a great player,” Barkley said at the American Century Championship to Barstool’s Big Cat and PFT. “I don’t go back and forth trying to defend, he’s a very good player, but we’re not on the same level.”
“Listen, Draymond is a good player. I was a great player… We’re not on the same level” -Charles Barkley on Pardon My Take pic.twitter.com/smr13HZSG9
Unfortunately for Green, he didn’t seem to remember just how good Barkley was.
“I think the goal is just to not look like you (Barkley) in the Houston Rockets uniform,” Green quipped to Barkley in May.
When Kenny Smith asked him what that meant, Green doubled down, saying, “Did you see?”
For those who didn’t see, Barkley averaged 16.5 points and 8.4 rebounds in the twilight stages of his career. Although those weren’t the kind of numbers that saw him make 11 All-Star teams and earn 11 All-NBA nods, they certainly weren’t anything to slouch at.
As for Green, he has just four All-Star selections to his name, but was named to the All-Defensive team nine times. He also has something that Barkley was never able to achieve, which is an NBA championship, and four of them at that.
Whether or not his resume or career stacks up to Barkley’s? Well, that seems not to be a legitimate question in the eyes of Chuck.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers tosses the ball back during a 103-96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers, like everyone else, are patiently (and anxiously) awaiting LeBron James’s latest decision.
It’s been roughly four weeks since James announced he would not be returning to the Los Angeles Lakers. The King will be moving on after eight years wearing the purple and gold. And now, we are all still waiting for him to announce where his talents will be taken next.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, that decision has yet to be made.
“There is no decision, no choice yet, no timetable on a choice as of yet,” said Charania.
This is the longest it has taken James to make a move like this. He previously announced his decision to join Miami, return to Cleveland, and head to Los Angeles all in the earlier days of free agency. This time around, James is soaking up every bit of the process. He’s put numerous teams across the league on hold, as teams are frozen in place waiting for him to make a decision.
All the while, it’s been a never-ending loop of the same updates. James is considering a handful of teams. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat appear to be in the lead. But the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves have not been formally removed from the race.
“We know the teams, Cleveland, Miami, Philadelphia, Golden State, Minnesota,” said Charania. “My understanding of the last couple weeks is the focus has been primarily on the Eastern Conference teams.”
Anything is possible. James could surprise us all. But one team has consistently remained in front of the discourse:
Cleveland.
The Cavs haven’t made any major moves this summer. They’ve even had James Harden on hold as he opted out of his contract to potentially clear the way for James to return. Until there’s clarity on LeBron’s future, Harden likely won’t sign a new deal.
The appeal of returning home speaks for itself. James has a deeper connection to Cleveland than any other team he could play for. It should be no surprise that the Cavs continue to be viewed as the favorites to land LeBron one final time.
New York, NY July 16, 2026 LeBron James made multiple high-profile appearances at Fanatics Fest NYC 2026, including a live recording of his Mind the Game podcast with Indiana Pacers...
The entire basketball world is waiting with decreasing patience for James to announce which team he’ll join in free agency. While there were some rumors that LeBron’s decision could arrive as soon as Monday, an update from ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania revealed that the wait will continue.
LeBron James speaks during Fanatics Fest in New York City. BACKGRID
“I spoke to Rich Paul, [James’] longtime agent, this morning. And Rich Paul made it clear to me that the choice is LeBron James’ right now… There is no decision, no choice yet. There’s no timetable as of yet,” Charania said, per an X post from ESPN Cleveland on Monday.
Shams also noted that his understanding is that the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers are the “focus” for LeBron and his team right now.
“There is no decision, no choice yet, no timetable on a choice as of yet,” – @ShamsCharania with the latest on LeBron James.
There were rumblings that LeBron’s decision might arrive on Monday, which was owed to an X post from Patrick Beverley that read, “Rumor has it Bron makes his decision today!!!”
LeBron and Beverley spent time on the Lakers together during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, which convinced some that Beverley might have some insider information and his report might be accurate.
Patrick Beverley argues with a referee during a Los Angeles Lakers game. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
But LeBron appeared to debunk that when he posted a video of Kevin Hart saying, “I don’t know who needs to hear this… Shut the f*** up. Shut the f*** up.” to his Instagram story on Monday, shortly after Beverley’s X post went viral.
There’s no way of knowing for sure whether this story was a reaction to what Beverley said, but the fact that this report from Charania surfaced shortly afterwards suggests that LeBron’s team was compelled to prove that what Beverley said was false.
LeBron James dribbles during a Los Angeles Lakers game. Getty Images
What is for sure is that many people in basketball are tired of waiting on LeBron. The NBA is eager to know his next team so they can set a national television schedule; the league’s 30 teams also want to finalize their respective rosters; and the other free agents are waiting to see where he ends up because that might impact their ultimate decision.
The bottom line is that LeBron has all the cards right now. It’s a good position to be in, and he appears to be basking in the limelight. Therefore, it would not be surprising to see him drag this decision out even longer in the days to come.
LeBron James speaks during Fanatics Fest in New York City. BACKGRID
Villanova has enjoyed great success and put itself in the conversation of blue blood territory in recent years.
This success dates back decades as the Wildcats have been sending players to the next level since 1950.
That year, Paul Arizin was selected third-overall by the Philadelphia Warriors. To this day, he remains as the highest-drafted player to come out of Villanova.
Arizin was also the first of nine players selected in the Top 10 in the NBA Draft and one of 66 total players.
The 2018 class had the most selections with four. Mikal Bridges led the way that year as the 10th overall selection while Donte DiVincenzo and Omari Spellman joined him in the first round. Jalen Brunson went on to be a second round selection as well.
With the addition of Luigi Suigo and others, it looks as though the list will grow in 2027 but for now, this is how it looks:
lebron james at fanatics fan fest cropped next to comedian kevin hart
Just hours after Patrick Beverley posted to social media that he heard LeBron James would be making his decision on who he will play for next season, James opted to troll his former teammate.
James posted a video on his Instagram story of famous comedian and actor Kevin Hart saying, “Shut the f— up,” in reaction to his former teammate. That was followed by him leaving a comment that said “BINGO STFU.”
“I don’t know who needs to hear this, but I feel like it’s important. I feel like somebody needs to hear this: shut the f— up,” Hart said in the video, which is followed up by him repeating the phrase over and over again.
James and Beverley were once teammates for 45 games in 2022, until the latter was traded to the Orlando Magic in a four-team deal that resulted in him being waived and later signing with the Chicago Bulls.
The two have had a long-standing rivalry in the NBA. During a game between the Lakers and Bulls in 2023, Beverley infamously scored with a hook shot over James and lowered his hand, the universal sign in the NBA to say “he’s too small.”
Beverley had a 12-year career in the NBA and retired after the 2024 season. Now in his post-playing career, he is the host of a podcast “The Pat Bev Show.”
It’s too hard to tell if Beverley’s sources are correct that James will be making his decision soon, but it appears that the legendary figure will be taking his time.
Haliburton tried to inject himself into finding out where James would play next by asking him personally, to which James replied: “Didn’t we already talk about this in the back,” thus forcing Haliburton to stay silent on the topic.
Tyrese Haliburton attempted to ask LeBron James about his decision early on in the program and James did not bite, saying “didn’t we already talk about this in the back.” Haliburton acquiesced and said, “I’ll leave it alone.”
The interaction between the two gave NBA fans a glimpse that LeBron could be taking his time to make his decision, despite recently facing pressure from NBA commissioner Adam Silver to sign with a team soon, as there are lingering schedule implications surrounding his free agency.
Could Pat Riley welcome back LeBron James with open arms if he decided to sign with the Miami Heat during NBA free agency?
Riley appeared as a guest on “The Dan LeBatard Show” on Monday morning and talked about how he’s let go of the past and the current state of his relationship with James.
“I’ve seen him around, run into him at All-Star games, we had a great embrace when they honored me with a statue out there,” Riley said. “Seeing he and Savannah in the stands at certain things, she’s always been a really gracious, wonderful person.”
Pat Riley on his relationship with LeBron James:
“I've seen him around and run into him at All-Star Games. We had a great embrace when they honored me with a statue out there. LeBron and I, we haven't talked much, but you let go of that stuff.
Between 2010-2014, James was playing under Riley, who still serves as the Miami Heat’s team president.
During this four-year span, he was playing alongside Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, where James was a two-time NBA champion (2012 & 2013) and was crowned the NBA Finals MVP and league MVP (2012 & 2013.)
Pat Riley reveals he still enjoys seeing LeBron James and his family around, despite his departure from the Heat in 2014. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
In 2014, the Heat were back in the NBA Finals looking for a three-peat but would end up being stunned as the San Antonio Spurs eliminated them 4-1.
James would become a free agent that year and ended up reuniting with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Riley admitted that he was disappointed with James’ decision to go back to Cleveland, as they believed the Heat were on the verge of becoming a dynasty.
“LeBron and I, we haven’t talked much, but you let go of that stuff,” Riley said. “I was very disappointed because I thought we were looking at a dynasty, or something dynastic, and we now had a chance to add other players to it in 14.”
Pat Riley revealed he still enjoys seeing LeBron James and his family around, despite his departure from the Heat in 2014. Getty Images
Riley went on to say he didn’t want to hang on to that and would like to see him at the golf course someday, despite not being a golfer.
Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson was removed from a star-studded party at Zero Bond, a members-only social club in New York City, for intervening during an altercation that involved rapper Travis Scott on Saturday night, according to TMZ.
Clarkson, who’s fresh off helping the Knicks secure their first NBA championship in 53 years, reportedly attempted to de-escalate the situation after Scott’s entourage started throwing bottles, and wound up being escorted out by police.
Scott was reportedly booted from the club.
Knicks guard and reigning NBA champion Jordan Clarkson was involved in a tense late-night altercation at the exclusive private members’ club Zero Bond in New York City. BACKGRIDClarkson reportedly attempted to de-escalate a situation after Scott’s entourage started throwing bottles. BACKGRIDJordan Clarkson attends a Raising Cane’s party at Zero Bond on July 18, 2026 in New York City. GC Images
Things escalated inside the private party, which was put on by Raising Cane’s, when Scott confronted a unnamed man for allegedly filming him, according to Page Six.
“It all happened really fast,” an insider told Page Six. “It started fast and broke up really quickly.”
The altercation reportedly took place as Scott was watching rapper, 50 Cent perform at the event.
Clark was at the DJ booth during 50 Cent’s performance, as seen in a video online.
nicks guard and reigning NBA champion Jordan Clarkson was involved in a tense late-night altercation at the exclusive private members’ club Zero Bond in New York City. BACKGRIDRapper Travis Scott at a party at Zero Bond in New York City on Saturday, July 18, 2026. UrbanxDivinity / BACKGRID
The matter did not disrupt the rapper’s performance, Page Six reported.
Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns and fiancée Jordyn Woods, tennis icon Serena Williams, Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant, and Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden all were in attendance.
Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson #00 reacts after he scores in the 2nd quarter against the Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on June 8, 2026.
Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Others included Teyana Taylor, Alix Earle, Brooks Nader, Tate McRae, Druski, Jake and Logan Paul.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: The sneakers worn by Jalon Moore #34 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Portland Trail Blazers guard Matisse Thybulle in the second half of a game in April 2025 in Denver. (David Zalubowski / Associated Press)
The Lakers have signed forward Matisse Thybulle to a one-year, $3.3-million contract, people familiar with the deal but not authorized to speak publicly told The Times Monday.
Thybulle, who spent last season playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, made the NBA’s all-defensive team twice over his seven-year career. He is a defensive wing player that the Lakers sought to surround Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Thybulle averaged 5.8 points per game last season and shot 43.3% from the field, 39.8% from three-point range, in 30 games.
The Lakers now have a 16-man roster. They’ll have to either trade or waive a player to be at the league maximum number of 15.
After rumors of their interest had been swirling for a week, the Lakers have agreed to sign defensive wing Matisse Thybulle to a one-year, $3.3 million veteran minimum contract, reports Shams Charania of ESPN.
The Lakers are looking for 3&D wings to play around Luka Doncic and, on paper, Thybulle fits that bill perfectly. He is a high-level perimeter defender, a two-time All-Defensive Team player (most recently 2022), and in the last two seasons he shot 43.8% and then 39.8% from 3-point range. Thybulle long had the reputation of an elite defender who became tougher to use in the playoffs because of his offensive liabilities, but the signs of improved offense the past couple of years could change that narrative.
The concern here is health — Thybulle has played a total of 45 games over those last two seasons. He missed time last season following a thumb surgery (torn ulnar collateral ligament) and has had more chronic knee and ankle issues.
Adding Thybulle brings the Lakers to 16 standard contracts, one more than the league will allow them to carry into the season, meaning that one player needs to be traded, or waived and stretched, before the season starts. The Lakers have talked with Atlanta about a sign-and-trade for Jonathan Kuminga, but the sides are not close, however, if it were a two-for-one deal it would open up a roster spot. Also, the Lakers have looked to trade Dalton Knecht this summer and have talked to teams about a Jake LaRavia or Jarred Vanderbilt trade (teams are more interested in LaRavia, who is owed just $6 million this season, in what would be the final year of his deal).
SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 28: Matisse Thybulle #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots a three point basket during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Round One Game Five of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers have made another perimeter signing to address their need for defense.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the purple and gold have agreed to a one-year deal with Matisse Thybulle. The deal is for the veteran’s minimum.
Thybulle, a two-time All-Defense team member, spoke with JJ Redick and Luka Doncic about the Lakers desire to sign him and his role during free agency and chose the opportunity on Monday. Thybulle shot 41.8% from 3 over the last two years across 45 games — and led the NBA in… https://t.co/yTvqUNQ8uF
The Lakers also discussed sign-and-trade scenarios with the Trail Blazers, which would have enabled Thybulle to earn a higher salary, but the sides could not reach a deal.
Last season with the Blazers, Thybulle averaged 5.8 points, two rebounds, and two steals per game. However, he played only 30 games after playing just 15 in the 2024-25 season. The flip side to that is, prior to the last two seasons, he played at least 65 games in every season of his career.
Thybulle’s greatest skill comes on the defensive side of the ball. He was named Second Team All-Defense in his second and third years in the league with the Sixers.
For most of his career, Thybulle was a liability offensively. However, over those last two seasons, Thybulle shot a respectable 41.1% from three on 141 attempts in those 45 games. He also has upped his volume from three in recent seasons with his three years in Portland ranking as his three highest in terms of attempts per game of his career.
One of the first obvious takeaways from this signing is that it now leaves the Lakers with 16 players on standard contracts. Teams can go up to 20 contracts through the preseason, but must be down to 15 by opening night.
The Lakers will have to move on from one of their contracts, either by trading a player or waiving them. At this point as a team well over the cap, waiving a player will not open up any cap room, even if it’s a waive-and-stretch of Jarred Vanderbilt. That makes it more likely a trade could be in the works.
There have been plenty of rumors about a Jonathan Kuminga signing, which would require a sign-and-trade to complete anyway. What this Thybulls signing seems to forecast is that the team is likely to trade Jarred Vanderbilt for someone, whether it’s Kuminga or not.
There’s also the possibility of the team trading Bronny James to the team that signs LeBron, though they have indicated a desire to keep Bronny. Considering he’s a useful player on the roster and they have multiple players who don’t fit that billing, it’d make more sense to get off some of those players and keep around players like Bronny.
The Lakers are hoping Thybulle can also fall into that category of being a useful player as well.
PORTLAND, OREGON – MARCH 27: Matisse Thybulle #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during the first half at Moda Center on March 27, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE...
The Lakers are adding another defensive-minded wing to their roster.
The franchise and Matisse Thybulle agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth $3.3 million.
Since Thybulle is signing a veteran’s minimum contract, he’ll have a $2.5 million cap hit for the Lakers, similar to Kevon Looney and Ziaire Williams.
The LA Lakers agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract on Monday morning with defensive wing Matisse Thybulle. Getty Images
The Lakers will have 16 rostered players on guaranteed standard deals once Thybulle’s signing is official, meaning the franchise will need to trade or waive at least one player to become roster compliant (maximum 15 players signed to standard deals) before Opening Night in October.
Teams can carry a maximum of 21 players on their roster during the offseason, including the three two-way spots, before having to be roster-compliant the day before the regular season starts.
Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves (re-signed to a four-year, $180 million contract), Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, Dalton Knecht, Bronny James and Adou Thiero are the lone Lakers still on the roster who finished 2025–26 with the team.
The addition of Thybulle, who’s entering his eighth season in the NBA after being the No. 20 pick in the 2019 NBA draft, addresses the Lakers need for perimeter defense after their offseason roster overhaul.
After being the 2019 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year during his final season at Washington, Thybulle was an All-Defensive second team honoree twice (2021 and ’22) during his 3 ½ seasons with the 76ers (2019–23) before Philadelphia traded him to the Trail Blazers ahead of the 2023 deadline.
Thybulle, 29, has played just 132 regular season games (and four playoff games) for the Trail Blazers over the last 3 ½ years.
After appearing in 65 games (19 starts) during his first full season in Portland in 2023–24, Thybulle played in 15 games in 2024–25 because of knee and ankle injuries and 30 games in 2025–26.
Thybulle missed 51 straight games from late October through late through mid-February after having surgery to repair a ligament in his left thumb but played in the Trail Blazers’ final 26 regular season games after the All-Star break.
He averaged 5.9 points (37.9% shooting on 3-pointers), 2.1 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 0.6 blocks in 16.6 minutes in those 26 games before playing in four of Portland’s five playoff games, not including the Play-In Tournament win over the Suns on April 14.
The 6-foot-5, 202-pound Thybulle remains a pesky defender even though his one-on-one isolation defense hasn’t been as sharp the last few seasons compared to his time with the 76ers/first joining the Trail Blazers.
Thybulle’s 2 steals per game last season was tied for the second-most in the league with Hawks wing Dyson Daniels and Pistons wing Ausar Thompson among players who appeared in at least 20 regular season games despite averaging just 16 minutes.
He led the league in steals (4.5) and deflections (8.7) per 36 minutes in 2025–26 among players who appeared in at least 20 games.
His length (reported 7-foot wingspan), motor and reflexes at his size has helped him remain one of the league’s most disruptive perimeter defenders.
He’s mainly been tasked with defending guards throughout his career, specifically primary ball handlers, but has the versatility to guard smaller forwards and is elite with navigating around screens on and off the ball.
Thybulle, who’s shot 34.9% on 3s since entering the league, shot 37.4% from beyond the arc since joining the Trail Blazers in February 2023.
He’s shot 35% on catch-and-shoot 3s during the regular season since entering the NBA, including 38.8% over the last four seasons (2022-26).
Thybulle will provide the Lakers with a 3-and-D wing who, along with Grimes and Williams, will be looked upon to fortify the team’s perimeter defense with Kessler as the anchor.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 19: Yaxel Lendeborg #1 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after receiving the 2026 NBA Summer League Championship MVP Trophy after winning the game against the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2026 NBA Summer League Championship on July 19, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Mike Kirschbaum/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Thunder trade Lu Dort to the Hawks in three-team deal involving former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg put the finishing touches on an impressive Summer League campaign Sunday night.
The 11th overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft was named the 2026 NBA Summer League Championship Game MVP after helping lead Golden State to a 94-90 comeback win over the Memphis Grizzlies. The victory completed a successful Summer League for the Warriors, with Lendeborg emerging as one of the biggest rookie standouts in Las Vegas.
"Every game I play I have something to prove to myself… I'm just very proud of this moment and I'm glad we got to win this."
Lendeborg finished tied for a game-high 21 points on 9-of-18 shooting from the field, along with 10 rebounds, two assists, and two steals. However, his biggest contributions came down the stretch. Trailing by 10 entering the fourth quarter, the Warriors outscored the Grizzlies 28-14, with Lendeborg accounting for seven of Golden State’s final 10 points, including a pair of go-ahead buckets that gave the Warriors the lead late in the game.
No. 11 overall pick @Yaxel_Lendeborg capped off his NBA Summer League campaign in style:
Overall, the Warriors’ rookie left a strong first impression during his first stint with the organization. He displayed an advanced feel for the game and consistently made winning plays on both ends of the floor. His outside shot looks like it could become a legitimate weapon after shooting 35.7% from three-point range throughout Summer League, while his defensive instincts were encouraging despite a few off-ball lapses that should improve with more NBA conditioning and experience.
Most importantly, Lendeborg delivered when the lights were brightest, saving one of his best performances for the championship game and walking away with MVP honors. For a veteran-led Warriors team looking to maximize what’s left of its championship window, Lendeborg’s ability to contribute right away could prove to be one of the biggest developments of the offseason.
“For me, I’m gonna do anything that the team needs,” Lendeborg said. “As for right now, for this specific team, it’s more so being a secondary playmaker, hitting open 3s when needed obviously and just taking the pressure off some of the older guys. Steph (Curry), I know he gets double-teamed, triple-teamed, fouled, hacked all the time. So it’s, like, maybe (in) the chance when he gets tired, I can relieve that pressure for him.
“So, just trying to be an easy outlet in a way. Do whatever’s needed.”
Rather than simply declining Dort’s $17.7 million team option to save money, the Thunder picked it up, acquired three future assets, created a $17 million trade exception and placed their 2025 championship stalwart in position for a long-term deal in Atlanta that was not viable for Oklahoma City.
“This was a financial decision. The impression I have been given is that the savings generated this summer, and from being out of the tax the last several years, will be re-allocated to future teams,” Thunder general manager Sam Presti told The Oklahoman.
The Athletic has reported on the Lakers’ interest in free agent Jonathan Kuminga since late June, but it appears that momentum has stalled with the sides far apart on terms and L.A. not overly motivated to push significant draft capital into sign-and-trade scenarios. Still, he appears to be the biggest upside play left on the table, and could re-emerge as a target if his market remains tepid. Cleveland, according to league sources, is the team most-often connected to Kuminga other than the Lakers.
It’s unclear if Beverley, who played with James on the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022-23, has any reason to believe that claim, or if he’s just having fun on social media. Anyone who has followed this era of the NBA knows that the three-time All-Defense selection is always looking for a way to have a good quote go viral. But then again, NBA players do move in their own social circles, and it’s entirely plausible that Beverley has actually heard something.
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Yeah, we’re a little late but there’s a lot to ponder.
The end of the Brooklyn Nets two summer leagues, coinciding with the start of free agency, seems like a good time to assess things. The Nets could make a move yet and LeBron James hasn’t made his decision.
Just Saturday, the New York Knicks tendered an offer sheet to the Dallas Mavericks for Moussa Cisse, a 6’11” 23-year-old center, only to see it matched hours later. On Sunday, the Mavs, Thunder and Hawks did a three-way swap that sent All-Defensive Wing Lu Dort from OKC to Atlanta, former overall No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher from Atlanta to the Dallas, Ryan Nemhard from Dallas to Atlanta and multiple draft picks, what else?, to OKC.
Things change.
Also, the Nets won’t play now for nearly three months, sometime the first week of October when training camp and preseason open. So where are we?
The Nets two lottery picks from 2025 and 2026, acquired as the centerpieces of a two-year long rebuild, have looked as Summer League head coach Dutch Gaitley said of Mikel Brown Jr., “electric” both as individuals, one coming off a development spree, the other a prized newcomer, AND as a fit, aka the “Aura Bros” as fan described them … a sobriquet Egor Demin seems to like. The organization is already taking advantage of the connection in a stream of recent social media. Why not? And the Nets do still hold the trademark to “Brooklyn’s Backcourt” if not Aura Bros…
Michael Porter Jr., in comments we noted Saturday, seems quite happy with the Nets, offering to recruit Peyton Watson and praising what the organization is building. The recent back-and-forth mostly on the timing of negotiations on an extension seem the normal NBA foreplay than evidence of some split.
And?
Julius Randle who did average 21, 7 and 5 in 79 games, all starts, last season is all-in on his newest home, thirsting for a leadership role and, per Brown Jr., encouraging him already, telling him he expects the team to “shock the world.”
And?
The Nets have rewarded the hard work of Day’Ron Sharpe, giving him a new (and reasonable) contract as well as apparently the starting 5 spot come October now that Nic Claxton is gone. They also added Moe Wagner as a backup, too, although he hasn’t signed yet.
And?
Chaney Johnson had a breakout in the Summer League, leading all Vegas in steals at 3.3 per game while finishing only behind the Aura Bros in scoring and leading the Nets in rebounding.
And???
Well, there’s where it gets dicey. Yes, Josh Minott is a good gamble at 23 years old and Keon Ellis fills a need and brings quintessential 3-and-D numbers, but after that big list, things begin to slip from the positive into the negative or at least mediocre,
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Two of the Flatbush 5 seem to have regressed based on their summer league performances. Drake Powell had a 1-of-28 shooting slump followed by a 4-of-6 3-point effort followed by a 1-of-6 outing, including 0-of-4 from deep. Where’s that SMH emoji?
Danny Wolf had some bright spots, averaging a little less that 10 points, a little more than six rebounds, across four appearances for Brooklyn. He did struggle, as he did last year, from deep, going 0-for-6 in his last two games before Friday, then didn’t take a three at all in that one. His passing potential has been hurt by his turnovers. In Friday’s game, he had two assists and a whopping five turnovers in 18:35, a few of them of early when the Rockets took charge.
Ben Saraf’s game has seemed to stabilize at the level we saw year with some kudos on his defense coming from Jordi Fernandez. There was no breakout. We didn’t get to see Nolan Traore at all. He’s rehabbing from a ‘scope on his left knee. Not exactly encouraging across the board. Yes, you can argue, “what do you expect from players taken in the back half and deep in the first round?” More. Development and scouting are crucial for a team whose strategy is based on garnering draft picks for an organic regrowth.
That Johnson has advanced so while Powell and Wolf hit road blocks says both positive and negative things about the Nets.
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The lack of rim protection and rim running. Sharpe deserves his shot and his forte’ — indeed historical value — are about rebounding and offensive rebounding in particular. He is not about blocking shots and looking down the depth chart at the 5, he is not alone. Nic Claxton’s shot blocking may have declined from 2.5 per game to 1.1 over the last four years but he had that skill. You can also argue, if you wish, that the Nets will be more physical, more defensive-oriented, and that will compensate. Maybe.
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At this moment, the lack of offense in general off the bench should be worrisome. The first players off the bench this season likely will be some version of Noah Clowney, Josh Minott, Terance Mann, Keon Ellis, Moe Wagner. Maybe one of the other rookies will get minutes: Joshua Jefferson or Tyler Bilodeau who’s on a two-way deal. Clowney, 22, and Minott, 23, are the only ones who have any real potential to throw up some points in a hurry and both are young and inexperienced while the role seems daunting, based on past history. The Nets bench to any offensive credibility, there will have to be a breakout and a breakout is always a surprise.
Good things can happen. Late trades get done. Players surprise … in good ways. Moves get made at the deadline. Pray for good health! But as we’ve noted, while the tank is over, the rebuild is not, as the off-season showed. The Nets have made some improvements, particularly in the starting lineup as long as the Aura Bros. play as well as we expect. MPJ and Randle are both capable 20-point scorers if both are always a bit controversial.
Could the Nets have been more aggressive? Done either of those weekend deals? Probably, but how much more since we don’t know any details of any proposal, it’s hard to debate. Frustrating but only in fan discussions. How much it really matters won’t come known until the fall. They did keep their flexibility, mostly manifest in that cache of draft assets.
It is getting easier to debate where we think the team will stand starting in October. As Bobby Marks has said, we are entering the time when all GMs love their roster and how it fits their strategy, a phase that usually lasts till the end of the first third of the season which simultaneously falls around the unofficial beginning of trade season on December 15. Sean Marks (no relation) said something this week that matches what Bobby said, “I like the roster we have.”
Of course fans’ opinions are different with most wanting more wins now but others willing to show some patience over a longer run. None want a replay of last season. The Nets didn’t overpromise like the Mets nor simply promise, like the Jets who won their last title the month before Julius Erving turned 13. You can have you own opinion and we’ll all set our crystal balls up for late September.
Jordi wants a career in Brooklyn
Jordi Fernandez has won only 46 games in his two years as NBA coach, but has won plaudits from his and other teams’ players and coaches for developing young players — and holding things together during a tank. Now, his priority is winning.
On Sunday, Fernandez, a native of Spain and Catalonia’s basketball-mad city of Badalona, was honored by his hometown as its “native son,” an award the Nets coach cherished. He is the first Spanish-born head coach in the NBA, of course. He also a native of Catalonia, the autonomous republic in Spain’s north east whose capital is Barcelona one of the world’s great cities.
In receiving the award, he spoke to the media and told local reporters this, thanking among others the Nets and added this…
Translation: “I hope to retire with the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA.”
In today’s NBA, of course, that would be a very big deal. Fernandez is in his early 40s with a career that could with good fortune stretch into the 2040s. It doesn’t happen anymore unless you win multiple championships like Gregg Popovich or Steve Kerr. We assume Fernandez is well aware of the record!
Meanwhile, a Fernandez acolyte from Catalonia, tweeted out his thanks to the Nets for giving him an opportunity as one of the team’s “guest coaches.” For several years, unpublicized, the Nets have invited young international coaches to join the Summer League staff…
Boris Balibrea is currently the head coach of GTK Gliwice, one of Poland’s top teams. He is seen as one of Europe’s top young basketball minds, having been coach of the year twice in Sweden and once in the Alpe Adria league in central Europe’s alpine region. He’s currently the head coach of Sweden’s national team and has also coached elsewhere in Euope, Africa and China.
Last year, the guest coaches included another Catalonian, Spanish league legend Anna Cruz.
Final Note
Nets fans of a certain age and era understand that geopolitics can interfere in the world of basketball. Mikhail Prokhorov, the team’s Russian owner for nine years, sold the team in part because of pressures from Moscow and Vladimir Putin after the U.S. heavily sanctioned Russia following its 2014 invasion of Crimea. So it’s always wise to monitor what’s going on between the U.S. and China. Although neither Joe Tsai nor his Kansas-born wife, Clara Wu Tsai, are citizens of China, Alibaba, the company Tsai helped found is one of China’s biggest and best known companies.
So, we reported the other day how a U.S. congressman, John Moolenaar, Republican of Michigan, had told ESPN that the NBA should review Tsai’s ownership of the Nets following the Pentagon’s designation of the giant Chinese e-commerce, AI and Cloud computing giant as a “Chinese military company,” in the process banning any contracts with the company.
However, it should be noted, as we also did in our reporting, that neither Moolenaar nor his advisory committee on connections between U.S. companies and China has any power to do anything more than suggest a review and there is no indication the NBA would even consider such a request … if indeed the congressman has forwarded one to the league. At this point, there is no indication he has. NBA China, along with the International Olympic Committee, the UEFA championship league and world federations governing several sports, have AI and Cloud computing deals with Alibaba.
At least at the moment, rest easy if that’s your want about the possibility of a change in ownership. You have enough to worry about re: rim protection and Drake Powell’s jumper.
