Lakers' New Signing Sparks Concerns for Bronny's Future

WHO:

Sportskeeda - Bronny James, Matisse Thybulle, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA fans

RealGM Basketball - Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively

WHAT:

ESPN - Matisse Thybulle is entering his eighth NBA season.

ESPN - The Lakers have until opening night in late October to explore trades to consolidate their roster.

ESPN - Matisse Thybulle shot 41.8% from the 3-point line over the past two seasons while appearing in 45 total games.

ESPN - Thybulle led the NBA in steals and deflections per 36 minutes last season among players who played at least 20 games.

ESPN - Thybulle discussed returning to the Portland Trail Blazers but believed the team did not make serious efforts to retain him, offering non-guaranteed deals during most of free agency.

RealGM Basketball - Matisse Thybulle is coming off a three-year, $33 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.

RealGM Basketball - Thybulle missed most of the 2024-25 season due to right knee tendinopathy.

RealGM Basketball - The Lakers currently have 16 players on guaranteed contracts for the 2026-27 season, necessitating additional roster maneuvers before the start of the regular season.

Sportskeeda - The Los Angeles Lakers signed Matisse Thybulle to a one-year contract.

RealGM Basketball - Matisse Thybulle's contract with the Lakers is worth $3.3 million.

RealGM Basketball - Thybulle averaged 5.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.0 steals in 30 games last season.

RealGM Basketball - The Lakers acquired Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz, costing two future first-round picks and two first-round swaps.

RealGM Basketball - Luka Doncic expressed excitement about the Lakers' roster and stated, "I think we have a really good team."

WHERE:

RealGM Basketball - The sign-and-trade for Walker Kessler involved the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz.

WHEN:

RealGM Basketball - Luka Doncic signed a three-year, $165 million extension with the Lakers last August, which includes a player option for 2028.

RealGM Basketball - Doncic can sign a four-year extension during the 2027 offseason.

WHY:

Sportskeeda - NBA fans speculated about Bronny James' future with the Lakers after the signing of Matisse Thybulle, with some stating, "Trading Bronny would be a huge mistake."

Sportskeeda - NBA fans speculated about Bronny James' future with the Lakers following the signing of Matisse Thybulle.

RealGM Basketball - The Lakers believe Walker Kessler is the best two-way center Doncic has ever played with.

HOW:

Pro Football Network - The Lakers signed Matisse Thybulle after talks with Jonathan Kuminga stalled.

RealGM Basketball - The Lakers signed Matisse Thybulle as a free agent.

Matisse Thybulle is set to begin his eighth season in the NBA. Meanwhile, the Lakers have until opening night in late October to explore potential trades aimed at consolidating their roster. As the season approaches, teams are making strategic moves to strengthen their lineups.