Lakers sign Matisse Thybulle and must cut a player before season start

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed wing defender Matisse Thybulle to a veteran‑minimum contract after confirming he is fully healthy following a series of injuries that limited him to 45 games over the past two seasons.

Thybulle’s addition brings the Lakers to 16 players on guaranteed standard contracts, one more than the regular‑season roster limit. The team will need to trade, waive, or otherwise move a player before opening night. NBA insiders have highlighted three likely candidates: forward Jarred Vanderbilt, guard Dalton Knecht and newcomer guard Jaden Hardy. Additional roster pressure could arise if the Lakers pursue unrestricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga via a sign‑and‑trade.

The move underscores the Lakers’ effort to bolster their defense while navigating salary‑cap constraints and roster rules ahead of the upcoming season.