Fresh Lakers Rumors Reveal Potential Free-Agent Target Amid Jonathan Kuminga Buzz

The Los Angeles Lakers have registered interest in free agent Matisse Thybulle "this week," according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

Per Stein, the Lakers are broadening their search for more perimeter defense in free agency.

Los Angeles has reportedly shown interest in forward Jonathan Kuminga as well, although there's been a gap in sign-and-trade discussions with the Atlanta Hawks.

Still, ESPN's Shams Charania reported Monday that the Lakers have continued to "strongly pursue" Kuminga.

As for Thybulle, he's currently a free agent after spending just over three seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.

The 29-year-old has developed a reputation for his versatility on defense, earning All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2021 and 2022. He also owns averages of 2.8 steals and 1.4 blocks per 36 minutes throughout his career.

Portland posted a 99.8 defensive rating with Thybulle on the court last season compared to a 114.8 defensive rating with him off (via NBA.com). For context, the Oklahoma City Thunder led the league with a 106.5 defensive rating in the regular season.

Thybulle wasn't able to carve out a larger role in the Trail Blazers' rotation due to offensive inconsistency and injuries, though.

He's recorded 5.0 points per game on 43.8/34.9/68.3 shooting splits throughout his seven seasons in the NBA and has appeared in just 45 of a possible 164 games over the past two years.

If Thybulle is able to stay healthy moving forward, he's still an intriguing potential addition for a Lakers squad searching for more defensive-minded players to suit up alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.