The Los Angeles Lakers are evaluating potential upgrades on the wing and in the backcourt, showing interest in Matisse Thybulle, Marcus Smart, and Ayo Dosunmu, according to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints.
Sources told Irwin that general manager Rob Pelinka has had preliminary conversations with teams about the availability and price of these players, though no formal offers have been made. Discussions are taking place in Las Vegas, where NBA executives are using Summer League as an opportunity to engage in direct negotiations.
An Eastern Conference executive noted that Pelinka “likes Vegas because he can just pull so-and-so aside and have a conversation that would otherwise take a little planning.” The Lakers aim to open at least one or two roster spots and create flexibility under the first apron, which they are hard-capped at entering the season.
Los Angeles is also looking to gain access to their bi-annual exception while finding a more natural starting small forward and improving a bench that ranked among the NBA’s least productive last season. Rui Hachimura has played out of position at the three in recent years, creating a need for a more traditional wing defender.
Thybulle, 28, is currently in the final year of a three-year, $33 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers. Known for his elite perimeter defense, he averaged 7.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game this past season while shooting 43.8% from three-point range in limited action.
Smart, 31, now with the Washington Wizards after a February trade, is in the final season of a four-year, $76.5 million contract. The veteran guard has extensive playoff experience and defensive accolades, posting 9.3 points, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 steals in his latest stint while shooting 39.2% from beyond the arc.
Dosunmu, 25, remains under contract with the Chicago Bulls through the end of his three-year, $21 million agreement. The young guard averaged 12.3 points, 4.5 assists, and shot 32.8% from deep last year, showing steady improvement and versatility as a two-way player.
For now, the Lakers are simply gauging interest and fit without any commitment. Whether discussions lead to actionable offers or remain exploratory could depend on how conversations progress through the remainder of Summer League.
