When asked about the challenge of guarding offensive stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves during the Lakers’ training camp, Matisse Thybulle responded with a smile and shook his head. He emphasized just how demanding it is to defend such exceptionally skilled players.
“I mean, you really have to put in the effort. They’re incredibly talented,” Thybulle said with a laugh. “For me, it’s actually great because practicing against two of the NBA’s top offensive threats daily prepares you — not just me, but all of us — for what to expect. Growing up, I always believed practice should be tougher than games. In the NBA, it’s a bit different since you have to manage your energy over a long season. But guarding Luka and Austin, practice definitely feels harder than the actual games.”
Throughout the first four days of Lakers training camp, Thybulle stood out as a defensive force. That defensive prowess was a key reason the Lakers signed the 6-foot-5 wing to a one-year, $3.2 million deal. Alongside teammates Ziaire Williams and Adou Thiero, he’s earned praise for being extremely disruptive in practice sessions.
Lakers coach JJ Redick commented on the competitive atmosphere, saying, “It’s natural that competition drives improvement. It pushes Austin to get better when Ziaire is pressuring him full court every possession and Matisse is fighting passing lanes. Matisse, Ziaire, and Adou, with his physical style, are all growing by practicing this way. The benefits go both ways.”
Thybulle has built his reputation as a defensive specialist, earning NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors twice with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2021 and 2022. However, he says he’s still refining his skills.
“Top offensive players — Luka among the best — really know how to change their pace,” Thybulle explained. “As I develop as a defender, I’m learning when to fluctuate between going for steals and holding back to maintain solid defense. It’s becoming more of a strategic cat-and-mouse game rather than trying to be in every passing lane.”
Offensively, Thybulle aims to adapt his game to fit around Doncic and Reaves. His role will include shooting corner threes and getting involved in fast-break opportunities. Over his seven-year career, he has made 34.9% of his three-point attempts.
“Fortunately, I began my career in an offense similar to this style, so I understand you never know when your moment will come, but you have to stay ready,” he said. “At this point, having confidence in my shot means that when the opportunity arises, I’m prepared rather than just hoping for the best. That confidence really helps.”
Injuries have limited Thybulle’s playing time in recent seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. He participated in only 30 games last season while recovering from a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb and appeared in just 15 games during the 2024-25 season due to right knee and ankle injuries. Now, healthy and motivated, he’s poised for a strong comeback.
Among nine new Lakers on the roster, Thybulle will compete for a starting position. When asked about his role, he deferred to the coaching staff.
“I leave those decisions up to the coaches,” Thybulle said. “If my teammates and coaches are happy with my play, I take that as a sign I’m doing well. Whether I start or come off the bench, I trust the coaches to use me in the way that creates the biggest impact.”
With the Lakers’ first exhibition game set for Monday night in Sacramento, the main focus will be on the starting lineup. Coach Redick confirmed Doncic, Reaves, and Walker Kessler as starters, leaving two spots open for fierce competition. When asked who would be available for the game, he responded, “We’re still sorting things out.”
Fan Take: For basketball enthusiasts, Matisse Thybulle’s presence in the Lakers’ lineup adds a much-needed defensive edge that could be pivotal against high-powered offenses in the league. His ability to guard elite scorers like Doncic and Reaves in practice suggests the Lakers are building a more balanced team that emphasizes defense, potentially elevating the overall level of competition in the NBA.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
