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Matisse Thybulle deserves to start but needs to come off the Lakers’ bench

The Los Angeles Lakers need defense in their starting five, but Matisse Thybulle must play a reserve role.

Published: Sunday, 4 October 2026 at 5:00 PM
Matisse Thybulle deserves to start but needs to come off the Lakers’ bench
Key Things to Know
  • Tyler Watts argues Matisse Thybulle should come off the bench to preserve his health despite starter-level defensive talent.
  • Thybulle signed a one-year minimum contract with the Los Angeles Lakers to bolster their perimeter defense.
  • The 29-year-old wing has appeared in only 45 games over the past two seasons due to knee injuries.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Tyler Watts of Lake Show Life argues that while Matisse Thybulle's defensive skills and shooting make him an ideal starter, head coach JJ Redick should utilize him off the bench. After signing a one-year minimum contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, Thybulle offers elite wing defense and improved 3-point shooting alongside Luka Doncic.

However, Watts notes that Thybulle's history of knee injuries and limited durability—appearing in just 45 games across the last two seasons—require strict minute restrictions. The writer suggests Los Angeles adopt the Thunder's approach with Alex Caruso by limiting Thybulle's regular-season workload to preserve his health for the playoffs.

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