Story perspectives

Lakers Sign Thybulle, Exceed Roster Limit, Vanderbilt at Risk

7/21/2026

Summary

Lakers Sign Thybulle

The Lakers signed forward Matisse Thybulle to a one-year, $3.3 million contract on July 20, 2026.
Thybulle posted 5.8 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals and 39.8% shooting in 30 games for Portland.
The contract raises the Lakers to 16 deals, exceeding the 15-player limit and prompting a trade or waiver of Jarred Vanderbilt ($12.4 million in 2026-27).
Talks with Jonathan Kuminga have stalled because his demand exceeds the deal secured for Thybulle.

Summary

Thybulle Injury

Thybulle discussed his defensive role with Luka Doncic and coach JJ Redick before signing with Portland.
He led NBA in steals and deflections per 36 minutes last season and missed three-and-a-half months in 2025-26 after a left-thumb ligament tear and surgery.
Portland now has a wing vacancy after Thybulle’s injury, with the former 2019 20th-overall pick having earned two All-Defensive Second-Team honors and the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year.

History

Historical Context

The Lakers’ 2026 roster shuffle echoes the NBA’s long-standing cap battles that began with the 1995 collective bargaining agreement, building on the league’s 1983 salary-cap introduction. That CBA allowed owners to reopen terms, sparking the 204-day 1998-99 lockout under Commissioner David Stern. Those disputes cemented strict roster and salary limits that still shape team moves today.

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Lakers Sign Thybulle

The Lakers signed forward Matisse Thybulle to a one-year, $3.3 million contract on July 20, 2026.
Thybulle posted 5.8 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals and 39.8% shooting in 30 games for Portland.
The contract raises the Lakers to 16 deals, exceeding the 15-player limit and prompting a trade or waiver of Jarred Vanderbilt ($12.4 million in 2026-27).
Talks with Jonathan Kuminga have stalled because his demand exceeds the deal secured for Thybulle.

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