Lakers’ General Manager Eyes Final Roster Moves

Rob Pelinka, the general manager of the Lakers, has already made significant changes to the team’s roster this summer, but he isn’t done yet. He aims to finalize two more deals before the offseason wraps up.

The Lakers have set their sights on free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga. Although the 23-year-old has shown interest in joining the team, he isn’t willing to accept their current proposal.

Pelinka is on the lookout for appealing additions to the forward position while also considering the need for another wing player.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Lakers are eyeing free agent Matisse Thybulle. Interest in Thybulle indicates that they are once again seeking to improve their perimeter defense, which has been a challenge for them in recent seasons. He had spent the latter half of four seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers but faced injury setbacks, appearing in only 132 games throughout his career.

It’s worth mentioning that Thybulle has only crossed the 70-game mark in a season once. Last season, he managed to play in just 30 games.

However, he’s recognized as an elite defender, and if he can stay healthy, he’s likely to become the Lakers’ primary perimeter defender. He has also been honored with All-Defensive Second Team selections twice.

Offensively, Thybulle can be effective from long range. While his career shooting percentage from beyond the arc sits at .349, he has had standout seasons shooting 44% and 40% from three-point range.

The 29-year-old could mesh well with the Lakers, but securing his signing would require some financial maneuvering from the team.

As the Lakers head into next season, questions linger about their roster. However, adding both Kuminga and Thybulle would likely resolve those uncertainties.

The focus now shifts to Pelinka, who needs to finalize a championship-caliber roster.