Officially Joining! Hello, Lakers! A 34-Point Forward Partners with Doncic

The Lakers' management has taken action once again, though these are small-scale adjustments.

Thybulle, who has been named to the All-Defensive Second Team twice, was signed to a one-year deal worth $3.3 million. Standing at 6-foot-5 with a 7-foot wingspan, the 29-year-old swingman was selected 20th overall in the first round of the 2019 draft.

U.S. media outlet *Basketball Reference* shared some relevant stats about this player, as follows:

1. Highest steal rate per minute among active players;

2. Highest average steals per game among active bench players;

3. Fifth-highest average steals per game among active players;

4. Third in total steals in the 2020s fourth year across the league.

Notably, with the signing of Thybulle, the Lakers now have 16 fully guaranteed standard contracts on their roster. They will need to trade or cut at least one player with a full guarantee to comply with the 15-player roster limit.

Another recent signing for the Purple and Gold is Kaluma, who joined on a two-way contract. Born on March 1, 2002, he is a forward standing 6-foot-7 (2.01m) with a 7-foot-1 (2.16m) wingspan. He performed exceptionally well in this year's Summer League, with his best game coming against the Mavericks, where he shot 16-of-11 (10-of-6 from three) for 34 points and 5 rebounds.

In fact, as early as last summer, Kaluma had connections with the Lakers, signing a Exhibit 10 contract (a non-guaranteed training camp deal) at the time. He was soon waived and played for the South Bay Lakers in the G League last season. In 40 regular-season games, he averaged 13.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 24.4 minutes per game, with shooting splits of 55.5%, 39.1%, and 82.3%.

In short, as a tall wing with shooting ability, Kaluma has developmental value. The Lakers' current "no-criticism" roster also needs players like him to maintain a strong presence and avoid falling into a media spiral. *Manual doge*.

Reporter Rob Murrows commented: To free up a roster spot for Kaluma, the Lakers chose to cut 6-foot-4 (1.92m) guard Peter Sud.

So now, the Lakers have three two-way contract players: Kaluma, 6-foot-4 (1.93m) guard Chris Manon, and 6-foot-7 (2.0m) forward Akec Okere.