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Adou Thiero says Matisse Thybulle has been helping him improve defensively

Adou Thiero is showing early promise on defense this preseason, and veteran wing Matisse Thybulle is playing a key role in his development. The Lakers’ second-year forward has already flashed his athleticism with four steals and two blocks in limited preseason action, including standout plays like a full-court chase to block Darius Acuff Jr.

and a deflected pass against Maxime Raynaud. Thiero, who possesses elite size and explosiveness, has been working closely with Thybulle—an eight-year NBA defender with two straight All-Defensive Second Team selections—to refine his timing and aggression on that end of the floor.

Thybulle’s experience, including career averages of 2.8 steals and 1.4 blocks per 36 minutes, appears to be helping Thiero navigate when to commit to challenges and when to stay disciplined, as the young forward described in postgame remarks after a loss to the Golden State Warriors. Meanwhile, the Lakers’ defensive identity under coach JJ Redick is taking shape, with the team forcing 27 turnovers in their preseason opener and 51 more in the two games that followed, signaling a potential emphasis on full-court pressure and disruption.

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