The Lakers have the best minimum contract player in the NBA

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.

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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 been as 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.

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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…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lakers-best-minimum-contract-player-181940298.html

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Publish date : 2026-11-09 18:19:00

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