Matisse Thybulle believes going against Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves every day in Lakers practice is providing an unusually demanding test as he prepares for his first season in Los Angeles.
“Getting to play against two of the best offensive players in the NBA every day just primes you for, I think it primes all of us, but me specifically, it primes you for what to expect,” Thybulle said Saturday. “Practice should be harder than the games.”
Thybulle specifically pointed to Doncic and Reaves as the type of offensive players who force him to improve his defensive discipline.
“Guarding Luka and AR, practice is definitely going to be harder than the games,” he said.
The 29-year-old also explained how his approach to defense has evolved during his NBA career. Rather than constantly hunting for steals and trying to disrupt every passing lane, Thybulle has learned the importance of staying disciplined.
“I think the importance of just being solid,” Thybulle said. “The best offensive players in the league, Luka being probably one of the best, changes pace really well.”
He added that he has learned when to gamble and when to stay patient.
“Learning when to change pace and go for steals versus sit back and be solid and make it more of a cat and mouse game as opposed to trying to be in every passing lane every single time,” Thybulle said.
That discipline will be particularly important alongside Walker Kessler, whom the Lakers acquired from Utah during the offseason. Thybulle believes Kessler’s defensive presence can influence opposing players even when he does not directly challenge a shot.
“His ability to block shots is one of the best in the league, but I think more than anything he’s able to play the mind games of whether or not he’s going to come over, fully commit,” Thybulle said.
“He can force the offensive players just to have to process a little bit more and take maybe a shot or a pass that they don’t want to do.”
Thybulle also discussed his role as a low-volume shooter. With Doncic and Reaves expected to handle significant offensive responsibilities, he emphasized being prepared even when possessions pass without him touching the ball.
“You never know when it’s going to come, but just to be ready,” Thybulle said. “At this point, having the confidence in my shot to know that when it comes, I’m ready for it, as opposed to just hoping for the best.”
He also said players in that role have to judge their performance over longer stretches rather than focusing on individual games.
“The whole thing is about the process,” Thybulle said. “When you’re a low-volume shooter you deal with smaller sample sizes. Maybe I can’t grade myself game to game, I have to grade myself in four-game chunks.”
Thybulle remains unconcerned about whether he starts or comes off the bench.
“I leave those decisions up to the coaches,” he said. “I trust that the coaches know how to use me best to create the most impact.”
On the Lakers’ young players, Thybulle praised Cam Carr’s approach and willingness to learn.
“The kid’s always just been a sponge,” Thybulle said. “He has a huge appetite for learning.”
Thybulle believes Carr’s development will ultimately come down to opportunities. “It’s just going to be about the reps,” he said. “He’s going to get them. He’s going to be a great player.”
