JJ Redick: Matisse Thybulle 'is such a unique player'

After lacking functional depth at the wing position for the last few years, the Los Angeles Lakers suddenly find themselves awash in wings and forwards who can, or at least could, significantly contribute this season. Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle are new to the team as solid wings, while second-year man Adou Thiero could make a jump and there could still be a little hope for Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt.

Of the five, Thybulle is arguably the most proven player. He's entering his eighth NBA season, and he has always been an effective defender, especially in terms of making plays on the ball, and he has also developed into an excellent 3-point shooter.

Guard Austin Reaves gave a shout-out to Thybulle when he talked about how impressive and tough Thybulle and Williams have been on defense during training camp this week. Coach JJ Redick gave Thybulle some further praise, especially when it comes to the defensive end, via Benjamin Royer of the Southern California News Group .

"Matisse is such a unique player; he just really is," Redick said. "I think our guys, hopefully, at some point this season, will pick up on the fact that if he's in the passing lane, you shouldn't pass the ball over there because he's probably going to steal it."

Thybulle, who is 29 years of age, averaged two steals in just 16 minutes a game while shooting 39.8% from 3-point range last season. He has always been a spark plug, but the concern with him has been his durability.

He played in 30 games last season after appearing in 15 games during the 2024-25 campaign. On the other hand, he appeared in at least 65 games during each of his first five seasons in the NBA.

As long as he remains relatively healthy this season, Thybulle should harass opposing teams on the regular, whether he's starting or coming off the bench.