Lakers Sign Thybulle While LeBron Keeps NBA Waiting

Matisse Thybulle agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million deal with the Lakers on Monday, per ESPN. Los Angeles lands a two-time All-Defensive wing while LeBron James keeps the league waiting. Agent Rich Paul says James will not be rushed.

Thybulle Gives Redick the Wing Stopper He Wanted

Thybulle spoke with coach JJ Redick and Luka Doncic before choosing Los Angeles, sources told ESPN. Portland offered Thybulle only non-guaranteed deals for most of free agency, so the veteran wing walked. The Lakers and Trail Blazers discussed a sign-and-trade at a higher salary, but talks collapsed. Los Angeles also added forward Arthur Kaluma on a two-way contract Monday night, per ESPN.

Thybulle shot 41.8 percent from 3-point range across 45 games over the past two seasons. He led the NBA in steals and deflections per 36 minutes last season, per ESPN Research. That ranking covers players with at least 20 appearances. Thybulle made the All-Defensive second team in 2021 and 2022 and now enters his eighth season. Kaluma averaged nearly 19 points on 61 percent shooting at Las Vegas summer league this month. He also hit 50 percent from 3 across the event. Kaluma spent 2025-26 in the Lakers’ G League program.

The Thybulle signing puts the Lakers at 16 guaranteed salaries, one over the regular-season limit of 15. Los Angeles has until opening night in late October to consolidate the roster through trades. The front office also pursued free agent Jonathan Kuminga this summer, but those talks have not progressed, per ESPN.

Every Lakers move sits in the shadow of one decision. Tuesday marks three weeks since Rich Paul told the Lakers that LeBron James would enter free agency. The Warriors, Cavaliers, 76ers and Heat continue their pursuit, sources told ESPN. The three Eastern Conference teams are viewed as the frontrunners. “We’re not going to be rushed,” Paul said Monday on the Game Over podcast. Paul added that interested teams have been told no further pitches are needed.

James, 41, will play a record 24th NBA season wherever he lands. Commissioner Adam Silver said Thursday he wants an announcement so the league can finish its schedule. Heat president Pat Riley, who won two titles with James in Miami, has publicly courted a reunion. Paul offered no timeline, saying the call could come in “48 seconds” or much later. He also dismissed reports of an imminent announcement. “These people don’t know anything,” Paul said. The Lakers, meanwhile, keep stacking defenders like Thybulle for a roster James may never rejoin.