The Lakers could finally see their lone draft pick from 2025 make his NBA debut.
After missing all of Summer League, the preseason and the regular season to date, Adou Thiero was upgraded to questionable
for Friday’s game against the Pelicans.
Earlier in the road trip, head coach JJ Redick noted that Thiero could potentially make his debut during the road trip, a statement that implied a couple of things.
For one, it meant that Thiero was pretty close to getting back to full health, which is further evidenced by him being upgraded before Friday’s game.
Secondly, it seemed to indicate that he would get on the floor once he was active, too. That is an interesting aspect, considering he hasn’t played a game since the NCAA Tournament and he was clearly not 100% in that one. His last healthy game came on Feb. 22.
That said, his greatest skill set — his athleticism — addresses one of the Lakers’ biggest needs. Being able to provide an injection of speed, quickness and leaping ability will be a boost for the purple and gold. It will be interesting how much Redick does play Thiero, if at all.
Considering how the road trip has gone, Thiero could provide the team with a nice boost off the bench. Even if he only features in garbage time or in sparse minutes, it’ll be nice to see him finally make his debut, whether that comes on Friday, Saturday or in the near future.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on BlueSky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.
