Lakers
The Lakers continue to prioritize defense.
Los Angeles officially signed veteran wing Matisse Thybulle to a one-year, veteran’s minimum contract, adding another accomplished perimeter defender to a roster that has undergone significant changes this offseason.
Thybulle has never been known for his offense, but he has built a reputation as one of the NBA’s better defensive wings. He earned All-Defensive Second Team honors in both 2021 and 2022 and spent the past three-plus seasons with the Trail Blazers.
The move follows the Lakers’ addition of Ziaire Williams and further reinforces what appears to be a clear offseason objective after LeBron James departed for Philadelphia.
Defense. There is another wrinkle, though.
As The Athletic’s Jovan Buha noted, the addition of Thybulle gives the Lakers 16 players on guaranteed standard contracts, meaning they’ll have to waive or trade someone before opening night to reach the NBA’s 15-man roster limit.
In other words, the Lakers may not be finished making moves.
Mavericks
The Mavericks are already thinking long term with Dereck Lively II.
According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, Dallas and Lively have begun discussing a rookie-scale extension, though Stein cautioned the talks remain in the early stages.
The two sides have until the day before the start of the regular season in October to reach an agreement.
If they don’t, Lively would be headed for restricted free agency next summer.
The timing is interesting. Lively has appeared in just seven games over the past season after battling a series of injuries, primarily involving his right foot.
He underwent surgery last summer, returned for the start of the season, then ultimately required another season-ending procedure in December after lingering discomfort never fully subsided.
Even so, the Mavericks clearly haven’t forgotten what Lively looked like when healthy.
The 22-year-old made the All-Rookie Second Team in 2023-24 after averaging 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks while shooting 74.5 percent from the field. He also played an important role during Dallas’ run to the NBA Finals that spring, providing energy, rim protection and rebounding off the bench.
Lively said in June that he was finally out of a walking boot, though he had yet to be cleared for running or jumping.
“I’m really just thankful for the small milestones,” he said.
Nuggets
The Nuggets are adding an experienced voice to David Adelman’s coaching staff.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Denver is hiring former Grizzlies and Kings head coach Dave Joerger as Adelman’s lead assistant.
The move had been expected. Marc Stein reported earlier this month that Denver had emerged as Joerger’s most likely destination after interviewing for the position.
Joerger brings plenty of experience. He spent six seasons as an NBA head coach, compiling a 147-99 record in Memphis while leading the Grizzlies to the playoffs three straight years before later coaching Sacramento.
More recently, he served as an assistant with Philadelphia and Milwaukee.
Adding a veteran assistant with Joerger’s résumé gives the Nuggets another experienced voice as they try to remain among the Western Conference contenders.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
