The Los Angeles Lakers are making waves in the NBA trade market, hot off their surprising acquisition of Deandre Ayton. According to ClutchPoints Senior Lakers insider Anthony Irwin, the team is poised to reignite trade talks during the 2025 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, with their sights set on Portland Trail Blazers’ defensive standout Matisse Thybulle. With LeBron James’ championship window narrowing, the Lakers are reportedly prepared to offer a blockbuster $33 million package to secure the elite 3-and-D wing, aiming to bolster their perimeter defense and make a serious run at the title.
Lakers Target Matisse Thybulle for Defensive Prowess
Matisse Thybulle, in the final year of his $11.5 million contract, has emerged as a prime target for the Lakers. Known for his elite defensive instincts, Thybulle has earned a reputation as one of the NBA’s premier perimeter defenders. Despite playing only 15 games last season due to injuries, he showcased offensive growth, shooting an impressive 43.8% from three-point range on 3.2 attempts per game. His ability to lock down opposing wings while contributing on the offensive end makes him an ideal fit for a Lakers team looking to fortify its roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Jedd Pagaduan of ClutchPoints notes, “Thybulle is someone the Lakers have checked the availability of,” signaling LA’s keen interest in the 28-year-old Australian. While no deal is finalized, the Lakers are optimistic that Portland, with its crowded wing rotation, might be open to moving Thybulle before he hits free agency next summer.
Proposed Trade: A $33M Valuation
The Lakers are reportedly crafting a significant trade package to land Thybulle, with a total valuation reaching $33 million when factoring in salaries and future assets. Here’s the proposed framework:
|
Lakers Receive |
Blazers Receive |
|---|---|
|
Matisse Thybulle |
Maxi Kleber, Shake Milton, 2032 2nd-Round Pick (Unprotected) |
From a value perspective, Thybulle is the centerpiece of the deal. At five years younger than Kleber, he offers long-term potential and immediate defensive impact. Maxi Kleber, a stretch-big, has struggled with durability, missing 132 games over the past three seasons. Shake Milton, meanwhile, is outside the Lakers’ current rotation and considered expendable. The 2032 second-round pick, while a distant asset, adds some sweetener to the deal for Portland, though its value is diminished given the Lakers’ urgency to win now with LeBron James in his twilight years.
Why Thybulle Fits the Lakers’ Championship Blueprint
Thybulle’s defensive prowess could be a game-changer for the Lakers. Last season, despite limited appearances, he averaged 2.2 steals per game and made a measurable impact on Portland’s defense. According to PBP Stats, the Trail Blazers were over three points better per 100 possessions with Thybulle on the floor, a testament to his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. His 6’5” frame, combined with a 7-foot wingspan, allows him to guard multiple positions, making him a perfect complement to Anthony Davis’ rim protection.
Offensively, Thybulle’s improved three-point shooting addresses a key need for the Lakers, who have struggled with consistent perimeter shooting in recent seasons. As Pagaduan notes, “Thybulle would give the Purple and Gold another defensive weapon and a de facto replacement of sorts for Dorian Finney-Smith,” highlighting his potential to elevate LA’s roster.
However, Thybulle’s injury history is a concern. Persistent lower-body issues, including a knee injury and a severe ankle sprain, limited him to just 15 games last season. The Lakers are banking on his ability to stay healthy and deliver the defensive intensity needed for a deep playoff run.
Portland’s Dilemma: Keep or Trade Thybulle?
The Trail Blazers face a tough decision. With a defensive core featuring Jrue Holiday, Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija, Jerami Grant, and Thybulle, Portland is quietly building one of the league’s most suffocating defensive units. Trading Thybulle could disrupt their long-term vision, especially as they aim to compete in the Western Conference. The proposed package of Kleber, Milton, and a distant second-round pick may not be enticing enough for Portland to part with their defensive star, particularly given his upside at age 28.
Portland might push for a sweeter deal, potentially asking for players like Jarred Vanderbilt or Gabe Vincent. However, the Lakers are unlikely to include either, as both were key contributors last season and provide unique value to LA’s rotation. Vanderbilt, in particular, would be a high price to pay for a role player like Thybulle, making such a demand a non-starter for the Lakers.
Lakers’ Strategy: Balancing Risk and Reward
The Lakers are playing a calculated game. While Thybulle’s defensive skills and shooting improvement make him an attractive target, LA is determined not to overpay. Rising star Dalton Knecht, who could fetch a higher return, is being held back for a potential blockbuster trade down the line. The current offer—Kleber, Milton, and a 2032 second-round pick—represents the upper limit of what the Lakers are willing to part with for Thybulle.
With LeBron James nearing the end of his illustrious career, every roster move is critical. The Lakers are prioritizing flexibility to pursue a bigger star while addressing immediate needs. Thybulle’s addition would provide a low-risk, high-reward option to shore up their perimeter defense without sacrificing core assets.
Summer League: The Stage for a Blockbuster
As the 2025 NBA Summer League approaches, all eyes will be on Las Vegas, where trade talks are expected to heat up. The Lakers’ pursuit of Matisse Thybulle could be a defining moment in their offseason, signaling their intent to build a championship-caliber defense around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Whether they can strike a deal on their terms remains uncertain, but Thybulle’s elite defensive skills and improved shooting make him a tantalizing target for a team with title aspirations.
For now, Lakers fans can only wait and see if this shocking $33 million mega-deal comes to fruition—or if Portland’s defensive vision keeps Thybulle in the Pacific Northwest.