As the NBA offseason moves into its quieter mid-July phase, the Los Angeles Lakers are anything but idle. With frontcourt depth secured through recent acquisitions of Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia, the Lakers are now pivoting to address a critical need: elite perimeter defense. General manager Rob Pelinka is reportedly orchestrating a bold strategy, leveraging the team’s $3.9 million bi-annual exception and expiring contracts to pursue a game-changing defensive wing. The targets? Matisse Thybulle, Marcus Smart, and Ayo Dosunmu—three players who could redefine the Lakers’ identity as they aim for Western Conference dominance.
A Defensive Overhaul in the Works
According to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, the Lakers have initiated preliminary discussions with teams to gauge the availability and cost of Thybulle, Smart, and Dosunmu. While no formal offers have been tabled, Pelinka is using the Summer League in Las Vegas as a hub for discreet negotiations. “Rob likes Vegas because he can just pull so-and-so aside and have a conversation that would otherwise take a little planning,” an Eastern Conference executive told ClutchPoints. This environment, bustling with league executives scouting young talent, provides the perfect cover for Pelinka to advance trade talks.
The Lakers’ pursuit of a defensive wing is no accident. Last season, their bench ranked among the league’s least productive, and Rui Hachimura, while talented, has been miscast as a small forward. With LeBron James and Luka Dončić forming a potent offensive duo—evidenced by the team’s 15–8 record (.652 win percentage) when both played—L.A. needs a lockdown defender to complement their star power and elevate their championship ceiling.
The Defensive Targets: Who Fits the Bill?
Marcus Smart: The Gritty Veteran
Marcus Smart, the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, brings championship pedigree and unrelenting intensity. Now with the Washington Wizards, Smart is in the final year of a four-year, $76.5 million contract, making him a potential buyout candidate. His ability to set a defensive tone and lead vocally is undeniable, but some question whether the 31-year-old can significantly elevate a Lakers team still shaping its identity. Still, Smart’s experience and edge make him a compelling option for a squad looking to compete now.
Matisse Thybulle: The 3-and-D Prototype
At 28, Matisse Thybulle is one of the NBA’s premier perimeter defenders. Coming off a season with the Portland Trail Blazers where he averaged 7.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game while shooting a career-high 43.8% from three, Thybulle is the quintessential 3-and-D wing. Entering the final year of a three-year, $33 million deal, he offers a seamless fit alongside James and Dončić, providing elite defense without demanding a high offensive usage rate.
Ayo Dosunmu: The Young Two-Way Star
Ayo Dosunmu, only 25, represents a high-upside option. The Chicago Bulls guard averaged 12.3 points and 4.5 assists last season, though his three-point shooting dipped to 32.8%. With two years left on a cost-effective three-year, $21 million contract, Dosunmu offers youth, versatility, and room to grow. His two-way potential could make him a long-term asset for a Lakers team balancing present contention with future flexibility.
The $3.9M Exception and Trade Flexibility
The Lakers are strategically positioning themselves to make a move. By July 20, they’re expected to waive Shake Milton, unlocking their full $3.9 million bi-annual exception. This financial tool, combined with expiring contracts like those of Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber, gives Pelinka significant trade flexibility. The front office is also mindful of staying under the first apron to avoid long-term salary commitments, especially with the loaded 2027 free-agent class on the horizon.
These assets could be key in landing one of the targeted defenders. For instance, Hachimura’s expiring deal could appeal to teams looking to shed salary, while Vincent’s contract could serve as matching fodder in a trade for Thybulle or Dosunmu. The Lakers’ ability to package these pieces with draft capital or young talent like rookie Adou Thiero—who Pelinka believes has “the blueprint of becoming one of those really elite, physical, athletic wings”—gives them multiple paths to finalize a deal.
A Measured Approach With Championship Aspirations
Unlike past offseasons marked by blockbuster moves, the Lakers are opting for surgical precision. The additions of Ayton and LaRavia addressed frontcourt needs, but the pursuit of a true small forward to slot alongside James and Dončić signals a commitment to building a balanced roster. A defensive wing like Thybulle or Smart could anchor the perimeter, allowing the Lakers’ stars to focus on offense while rookie Thiero develops off the bench.
The Lakers’ 15–8 record with James and Dončić last season underscores their potential. With the right supporting cast, they’re not far from serious contention. Pelinka’s calculated moves—leveraging the Summer League, the bi-annual exception, and expiring contracts—could quietly transform the Lakers into a Western Conference powerhouse.
The Road Ahead
The Lakers’ offseason may lack the splashy headlines of a blockbuster trade, but Pelinka’s methodical approach could prove more impactful. Landing a defensive beast like Thybulle, Smart, or Dosunmu would address a glaring need and signal to LeBron James that the front office is all-in on contending. As discussions heat up in Las Vegas, the Lakers are poised to make a shocking swap that could redefine their season—and their future.