Matisse Thybulle Claims Dalton Knecht’s No. 4 Jersey Ahead of Lakers Season Opener

Los Angeles Lakers guard Matisse Thybulle is returning to a familiar number just days after the team parted ways with Dalton Knecht. Ahead of the Lakers’ season opener against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night, Thybulle transitioned to the No. 4 jersey previously worn by Knecht, who was released earlier in the week.

When Thybulle initially signed with the franchise over the summer, he wore No. 26. He explained at the time that his choice was a mathematical homage to his past numbers, combining No. 22 and No. 4. No. 22 was the designation he wore when he entered the league in 2019 as a rookie with the Philadelphia 76ers. Following a 2023 trade to the Portland Trail Blazers, he switched to No. 4 and wore it through the end of last season.

The number holds deep personal significance for the veteran guard. Thybulle wore No. 4 during his high school career at Eastside Catholic School in Sammamish, Washington, where the institution retired his jersey in 2015. He described the honor as a full-circle moment in his basketball journey.

He continued wearing the number for all four years of his collegiate career at the University of Washington. According to his college player profile, four is his favorite digit, a preference that dates back to the fourth grade. The number also aligns with his birthday on March 4th and was his mother’s favorite number.

Wednesday night’s matchup marks the first time Thybulle will take the court in a Lakers uniform bearing the single-digit number, having worn No. 26 during preseason play. Over four preseason appearances, Thybulle averaged 20 minutes and totaled 20 points.

As the Lakers open their regular-season campaign, Thybulle is expected to contribute to the team’s secondary rotation. The backcourt depth will be tested early, as Cameron Carr remains sidelined with a right oblique strain and second-year forward Adou Thiero is unavailable due to a left knee effusion.