JJ Redick ‘Pleasantly Surprised’ By Matisse Thybulle

One of the most intriguing offseason signings for the Los Angeles Lakers was Matisse Thybulle. The wing has long been considered one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, but has struggled with injuries as well as an inconsistent jump shot.

But Thybulle has emerged as a solid and reliable starter so far this season, shooting over 40% from deep and pairing with Ziaire Williams to provide the Lakers with a strong defensive wing duo, causing turnovers and helping the team get out in transition. And head coach JJ Redick admitted that he has been pleasantly surprised with what Thybulle has brought to the team.

“We had a long conversation in July and he felt like he had kind of figured out some stuff with his body towards the end of last season,” Redick said prior to the Lakers’ contest against the Portland Trail Blazers. “We were able to get him on a routine and stuff and we talked whenever we had our individual meeting during preseason and he felt very confident in the plan and the people that he was working with on our staff. So I would just say pleasantly surprised. He’s obviously playing great and he’s a big part of what we’re trying to do and him being on the court is a big boost for us.”

And in Redick’s eyes, the kind of human being Thybulle is, is just as important as what he provides to the Lakers on the court.

“I haven’t asked him this yet, but I feel like Matisse is the type of guy that, when the season ends, a lot of guys probably go to Vegas, Turks and Caicos, Miami. He finds a cabin in Montana to go be by himself and meditate for two weeks,” Redick added. “The first time I met Matisse was in September of 2021 and we had just missed each other by a season in Philly and I had retired the day before and had cried most of the day.

“When we went to Philly to do the podcast, I wore sun glasses. It was the only time I wore sun glasses on the podcast because my eyes were swollen. And I was just struck by how thoughtful he was. He’s just a genuine, thoughtful human being. And I was like, damnit. I think we said it to each other, maybe on the podcast, maybe not, but it was like, ‘God, we should’ve been teammates. This would’ve been awesome!’ So this is like full-circle. We were really excited that we got him and he’s doing a lot of really good things on the basketball court and he’s an even better human being.”

Putting together a team is really like a puzzle and making sure all the pieces fit together properly. So far, Thybulle has proven that he is an ideal fit for this franchise both with his on-court skills, as well as his personality off the floor.

Matisse Thybulle appreciates having clear role catered to his strengths

Thybulle has been in the NBA for nearly a decade and he is very aware of what he does best on the court. Hence why he is happy at having a very clear and defined role with the Lakers that plays to his strengths.