It’s been a season of inactivity for Lakers rookie Adou Thiero.
While most young players may not play as they learn and develop in their rookie season, Thiero has been out for the majority of the year due
to injuries, the most recent a right MCL sprain suffered on Dec. 30.
The team stated that he would be out for four weeks before being re-evaluated. The Lakers delivered some good news on the rookie on Sunday as they assigned him to practice with their G-League affiliate team, the South Bay Lakers.
Dave McMenamin of ESPN also reported that he played in his first full-contact stay-ready game earlier this week.
This is excellent news for Thiero, who has only played in 15 games this season.
Barring any setbacks, he should be made available to play sooner rather than later. The Lakers only have three games left to play before the All-Star break, so perhaps he can be available when LA takes on the Clippers after that break.
Regardless of when he returns, what matters is that he is progressing well. This is a developmental year for Thiero, but it’s hard to develop when you can’t practice or play.
Even in limited availability, Thiero has shown his ability to demolish the rim. He has had an impressive performance in South Bay against the Santa Cruz Warriors, where he scored 12 points in the team’s 108-105 win.
His raw athleticism has impressed Lakers head coach JJ Redick, and any basketball reps he can get are a net positive for him and the Lakers.
LA moved up twice in the 2025 NBA Draft to select Thiero, so they clearly value what he brings to the court. Hopefully, he can fully return soon and begin demonstrating his talent in games.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
