Jonathan Kuminga remains the Lakers' biggest remaining target, but Matisse Thybulle could become the ideal fallback option if a trade never comes together.
The Los Angeles Lakers have already reshaped their roster this offseason by acquiring Walker Kessler, Jaden Hardy, signing Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton and Sandro Mamukelashvili.
Still, one position remains an open need as the front office continues to search for another impact player.
While Jonathan Kuminga remains the biggest name connected to L.A., completing a deal won't be easy.
If the Lakers are unable to pull off a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks, free-agent wing Matisse Thybulle has emerged as another intriguing option after reports surfaced that L.A. has interest in the two-time All-Defensive selection.
Kuminga Remains the Biggest Target
Kuminga continues to be one of the most talked-about names linked to the Lakers this offseason.
A sign-and-trade remains a possibility, but executing a deal could prove complicated. Jarred Vanderbilt's contract is viewed as one of the salaries the Lakers could use to match money, but Atlanta may have little interest in taking on that deal. As a result, a three-team trade may be required, with another franchise absorbing Vanderbilt's contract to help facilitate the move.
If L.A. can find a way to complete the trade, Kuminga would immediately add another athletic, versatile forward to a roster built around Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler.
The 23-year-old averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 36 games during the 2025-26 season while shooting 46.3% from the field. His ability to defend multiple positions, attack the rim and thrive in transition makes him one of the most appealing young forwards potentially available.
For that reason, Kuminga remains one of the Lakers' top remaining offseason targets.
Thybulle Could Fill a Major Need
Matisse Thybulle (4) attempts a layup defended by Washington Wizards guard Jamir Watkins (5) during the first half at Moda Center. If negotiations with Atlanta never gain traction, Matisse Thybulle may represent the Lakers' best free-agent alternative.
According to Marc Stein, L.A. has registered interest in the veteran wing as it continues looking to improve its perimeter defense. Thybulle has built a reputation as one of the NBA's premier defensive specialists, earning two All-Defensive Team selections during his career.
Even in a reduced role with the Portland Trail Blazers last season, Thybulle remained one of the league's most disruptive defenders. He averaged 5.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals and shot a career-best 39.8% from three-point range across 30 games while averaging 16.0 minutes per contest.
Perhaps even more impressive, Thybulle posted the NBA's highest-rated defense (99.8) among players who averaged at least 15 minutes per game during the 2025-26 season, reinforcing his value as an elite perimeter stopper.
Unlike Kuminga, signing Thybulle would not require sacrificing assets or navigating a complicated multi-team trade. He would immediately strengthen the Lakers' perimeter defense while providing improved floor spacing after nearly 40% shooting from beyond the arc.
Kuminga still offers the higher ceiling and remains the organization's biggest remaining target. But if a trade with Atlanta proves impossible, Thybulle could give L.A. exactly what it still needs: an experienced defender capable of making winning plays on a championship contender.
