In a salary-capped league, or “apron world” as president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka once referred to it, you need players to outperform their contracts. Even more so when they’re on minimum deals.
Besides LeBron James, who is not your normal minimum signing, it can be argued the Lakers have the best one in the league in Matisse Thybulle.
The two-time All-Defensive selection has started every game for the 9-2 Lakers, who own the best record in the NBA. That includes multiple back-to-backs,
despite his health being a primary concern when he signed.
His defense has beenas advertised. LA had their most impressive win of the season Sunday. Without superstar Luka Dončić, they went in and beat the 6-2 Pistons on the road.
While only scoring four points, he collected four steals in his 28 minutes. It was his fourth game already this season with at least three takeaways.
The purple and gold force the second most turnovers in the league. Thybulle’s relentless pursuit and, at times, unorthodox style is a major reason why. Watch his activity below on the first defensive possession of the game.
While closing out to the initial offensive player, he allows him to get a step in front of him to poke the ball away from behind. It’s a defensive approach you would never teach, but is successful due to the combination of feel, a seven-foot wingspan and great hands.
Then, the lazy flat angle pass is deflected and eventually stolen. Thybulle leads the Lakers in steals and deflections and is tied for third in the entire league in the latter.
Like a hawk waiting in the wings for its prey, Thybulle will subtly maneuver himself into position to get a steal. He’s taken numerous full court passes by opponents by making the read and pouncing after the pass is already in flight.
The best defenders in the league can somehow operate in two places at once. Watch below as he not only takes away the outlet to the corner, but then comes back to deflect and steal the dump off pass to the rim.
Two-man combinations are mainly thought of in terms of offensive fits, but Thybulle and Walker Kessler have been a defensive match made in heaven. The Lakers have an 11.8 net rating with both of them on the court, holding a 108.9 defensive rating, which would rank in the top 10 in the league.
With Kessler behind, Thybulle is free to poke at the ball and be his aggressive self. At times, it can be a detriment to the team with his gambles, but overall, it fits into a more active than reactive defensive identity.
LA throws him on the best opposing ball handlers every night at the point of attack. Watch him below on Cade Cunningham, who was held to just 14 points on 6-15 shooting Sunday.
Good defense is not always about getting the steal, but deterring the offensive player from getting to their spot on the floor. Thybulle forces Cunningham to change directions laterally twice and gets a hand on the pass to the corner. While the Pistons score on a putback, LA held the Pistons to just 36% shooting in the first half.
In addition to the steals and deflections, Thybulle is second on the team with nine blocks. He comes from the weak side at times to protect the rim and recovers ground to block 3-point attempts on the perimeter.
As the superb defense was expected, the offense has blown up his expected value. He’s been a ball mover and connector, while finding his spots as a cutter against compromised defenses.
The shooting, while it’s cooled off a bit, is still at 39.5% on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers. He’s even added a no-dip 3-pointer, as shown below. It allows for a quicker release against potential close outs from defenders.
It’s a long season, and after playing just 45 games total over the last two years, Thybulle still has to make it through the 82-game grind. So far, he’s far outkicked his salary.
The defense will always be there, but if the shooting holds, the Lakers may have a championship-caliber wing on a minimum contract.
You can follow Raj on X at @RajChipalu.
