​The Sporting News first reported that the Los Angeles Lakers are poised to add a 33 million-dollar veteran to their lineup, and the outlet now invites readers to designate The Sporting News as a preferred source by clicking here. On Tuesday, the Lakers landed one of the best available second-unit centers as free agency cooled, signing Kevon Looney, formerly of the Golden State Warriors, to a one-year contract. The move provides Walker Kessler with a trustworthy backup for at least the upcoming season, strengthening the Lakers’ depth in the middle after a market that had thinned significantly.
Even with Looney in the fold, Los Angeles is still in the market for a dynamic wing to bolster its perimeter play, and the club has set its sights on Jonathan Kuminga, a former lottery pick from the Warriors. If Kuminga ends up choosing another destination, Lakers insider Jovan Buha suggested that the franchise might pivot toward a former Philadelphia 76ers defensive standout. “I think Matisse Thybulle is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league,” Buha said on Monday, discussing the Lakers’ most realistic wing targets. “He’s not as good as he was a few years ago, but still really good.”
Thybulle’s resume with the 76ers speaks for itself. During his 3.5 years in Philadelphia, he earned two NBA All-Defensive Second Team selections, underscoring his reputation as a tenacious defender. The Washington product is known for his off-ball awareness and on-ball aggression—an active presence who uses quick hands, relentless activity, and smart strategic play to disrupt opponents. Across 245 games with the 76ers, Thybulle posted a defensive rating that stands out in the conversation about elite stoppers, and he averaged 1.4 steals per game during his time in Philadelphia.
Buha notes that Thybulle, now 29, has not maintained the same level of defensive dominance since leaving the 76ers in 2023, and his offensive impact has never been what it was for his defensive stops. Still, he remains a viable fallback option for the Lakers as they weigh their perimeter options and consider different ways to maximize their defensive versatility and switching capabilities. He could be a strong complement to an already improving defensive scheme, offering a trusted option who can contribute significant value on the defensive end, even if his offense doesn’t provide the same spark as it once did.
As more NBA updates roll in, the Lakers’ summer plans continue to develop. News surrounding the team’s potential trade chatter, including speculation about a Bronny James–Lakers pathway and any related structural moves, keeps fans watching closely. The broader landscape also includes chatter about trade economics and potential bids, such as the Warriors’ latest discussions about market value, or the Spurs’ position in upcoming free agency and cap decisions. While the focus remains on solidifying the wings and strengthening defensive cover, the Lakers are weighing those options against the reality of available talent and salary constraints in a crowded market.
In short, the Lakers have already secured a proven frontcourt contributor in Kevon Looney, addressing depth at center with a reliable veteran presence. Now, the question turns to wings: will they land Kuminga or pivot toward Thybulle or another seasoned defender who can help tighten their perimeter defense and provide a credible two-way presence? The coming weeks will reveal how aggressively the Lakers pursue their preferred targets and how those decisions align with their broader championship ambitions.