Originally published by LakersNation.com
The Los Angeles Lakers wanted to get better on the defensive side of the ball this offseason and they made some big additions in order to address that. Of course, the big one was adding center Walker Kessler, but another important signing in free agency was that of Matisse Thybulle.
While injuries have hindered him over the past couple of seasons, Thybulle was a two-time All-Defensive Second Team selection earlier in his career and is still considered one of the best perimeter defenders in the league today. And he is really looking forward to teaming with Kessler, who he believes will make him an even better defender.
“I think Austin and Luka both thrive with 3-and-D players around them, I think on the offensive end and especially on the defensive end,” Thybulle said at Lakers Media Day. “For me personally, I’m really excited to play with Walker on the defensive end, just to have someone who can command the paint and protect the rim. It allows me to be more aggressive, and I think a lot of the guys can speak to that as well, is that you’re all-in when, when you all feel the same way.
“So just to know that I get to go out there, play with some of the best players on the offensive end, and then also for myself, just feel like I can fully live up to my defensive potential because of having a rim protector like Walker, it’s really exciting.”
As Thybulle said, having an elite rim protector like Kessler in the paint allows him to be more aggressive on the perimeter and that is a scary thought for the opposition and a great sign for the Lakers. Thybulle is extremely disruptive with excellent hands that allows for him to come up with a ton of steals and deflections which can kick start the Lakers’ offense in transition.
The key for Thybulle is to stay healthy, and also to show that his improved shooting he’s shown over the last two years is no fluke. If he can do that, while continuing to be an elite defender, he will make a major impact for the Lakers this season.
Quentin Grimes looking forward to earning a starting spot for the Lakers
Thybulle could be someone who starts or comes off the bench for the Lakers this season as is fellow newcomer Quentin Grimes. With head coach JJ Redick saying that two starting spots are open, Grimes made it clear that he is looking forward to the competition and plans on earning a starting role.
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The Los Angeles Lakers wanted to get better on the defensive side of the ball this offseason and they made some big additions in order to address that. Of course, the big one was adding center Walker Kessler, but another important signing in free agency was that of Matisse Thybulle.
While injuries have hindered him over the past couple of seasons, Thybulle was a two-time All-Defensive Second Team selection earlier in his career and is still considered one of the best perimeter defenders in the league today. And he is really looking forward to teaming with Kessler, who he believes will make him an even better defender.
“I think Austin and Luka both thrive with 3-and-D players around them, I think on the offensive end and especially on the defensive end,” Thybulle said at Lakers Media Day. “For me personally, I’m really excited to play with Walker on the defensive end, just to have someone who can command the paint and protect the rim. It allows me to be more aggressive, and I think a lot of the guys can speak to that as well, is that you’re all-in when, when you all feel the same way.
“So just to know that I get to go out there, play with some of the best players on the offensive end, and then also for myself, just feel like I can fully live up to my defensive potential because of having a rim protector like Walker, it’s really exciting.”
As Thybulle said, having an elite rim protector like Kessler in the paint allows him to be more aggressive on the perimeter and that is a scary thought for the opposition and a great sign for the Lakers. Thybulle is extremely disruptive with excellent hands that allows for him to come up with a ton of steals and deflections which can kick start the Lakers’ offense in transition.
The key for Thybulle is to stay healthy, and also to show that his improved shooting he’s shown over the last two years is no fluke. If he can do that, while continuing to be an elite defender, he will make a major impact for the Lakers this season.
Quentin Grimes looking forward to earning a starting spot for the Lakers
Thybulle could be someone who starts or comes off the bench for the Lakers this season as is fellow newcomer Quentin Grimes. With head coach JJ Redick saying that two starting spots are open, Grimes made it clear that he is looking forward to the competition and plans on earning a starting role.
If you love our reporting, choose LakersNation.com as a preferred source on Google.