It’s almost time for Adou Thiero to make his rookie debut.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick stated before the team’s game against the Hornets that Thiero could play during the team’s current road trip. The Lakers are in the middle of a five-game road trip with contests against the Thunder, Pelicans and Bucks still remaining.
Thiero hasn’t seen any action in a Lakers uniform just yet. He
didn’t play during Summer League and while there was optimism he’d be ready for training camp, we never saw Thiero doing five-on-five work and he missed all of preseason.
All this missed time has been due to Theiro recovering from a knee surgery. Luckily, he’s almost back and can start living up to the hype surrounding his upside and athleticism.
It’s that raw ability and talent that compelled the Lakers to move up twice in the draft to secure Thiero with the No. 36 pick. Theiro averaged 15.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game during his last year of collegiate play at Arkansas.
Once he does play, he will likely give the Lakers some vertical spacing and an explosive lob threat. Based on his college tape, he can jump out of the gym, and LA doesn’t employ players known for that, besides Jaxson Hayes.
Expectations do have to be tempered for Theiro. He hasn’t played an organized game since March and the NBA is another level.
Still, it’s a relief that Thiero will soon make his debut and seems to be almost done with his knee recovery.
The Lakers have another week on the road and then they’ll be back in Los Angeles playing a game against the Jazz on Nov. 18.
If he isn’t ready during this road trip, perhaps he can play first against the Jazz. Or, get some reps in the G League with the South Bay Lakers if they’d rather he ramp up there before playing in an NBA game.
Regardless, his debut is imminent and that’s good news for him, the Lakers and their fans.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
