Sports

Thybulle and Williams make early mark at Lakers training camp

Coaches and teammates singled out the newcomers’ defense after two high-intensity practices as Los Angeles begins shaping its 2026–27 identity.

Image credit: All-Pro Reels / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0; cropped archival December 2019 photograph of Matisse Thybulle with Philadelphia, not the 2026 Lakers training camp

Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams made an early defensive impression during the first two days of Los Angeles Lakers training camp, Silver Screen and Roll reported September 30. Austin Reaves praised their ability to defend multiple positions, while head coach JJ Redick highlighted Williams’ length, instincts and physical approach.

What it means locally

The Lakers added both wings on minimum contracts, giving each a chance to earn a role as the team looks to strengthen its perimeter defense. Redick said the effort and physicality were high enough that coaches shortened the final portion of Wednesday’s practice. Quentin Grimes and Sandro Mamukelashvili also described a competitive session built around full-court pressure, switching and team defense. The observations come from the opening practices of camp and do not determine the regular-season rotation. The accompanying photograph shows Thybulle playing for Philadelphia in December 2019 and is archival; it does not depict the 2026 Lakers training camp.

Full report and further details: Read original report →