The Los Angeles Lakers traded up to draft Adou Thiero 36th overall, but the rookie is now part of a franchise that is all-in around a prime superstar with a 40-year-old co-star. The time is now. The Lakers want to build a serious title contender around Luka Doncic and will need a trade to realize their full potential. They are light on draft picks, so Thiero could quickly be sent packing if he doesn’t immediately prove himself.
Rob Pelinka is [high on the 6’6 wing](https://lakeshowlife.com/lakers-rob-pelinka-wastes-time-putting-massive-pressure-adou-thiero), but he went in the second round of the 2025 draft for several reasons. Thiero made just 28.4 percent from 3-point range over his three college seasons and averaged nearly as many turnovers as assists. There is significant defensive potential, but this move will provide further evidence to Pelinka’s [questionable draft track record](https://lakeshowlife.com/los-angeles-lakers-dalton-knecht-quickly-turning-absolute-draft-bust).
The Lakers won’t be waiting years for Thiero. The 21-year-old must prove himself quickly, or the franchise will be searching for ways to get him off their roster. LA must put shooting and defense around Doncic. Thiero needs to show improvement with his jumper, or the rip cord could quickly get pulled.
Adou Thiero is already on thin ice heading into the Lakers’ training camp
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The Lakers dumped Jalen Hood-Schifino after just one full season in Los Angeles, and he was the 17th overall pick. They don’t have time to wait. If the player is struggling to fit in or realize his potential, the Lakers will cut bait.
Every roster spot matters in the apron era. Oklahoma City won the championship in 2025 behind their incredible depth. The Lakers can’t afford to just waste multiple roster spots on young talents who can’t see the floor.
Thiero gives the Lakers some youth and athleticism they need on the wing. LA is desperately looking for an option capable of guarding on the perimeter and improving their overall defense. The 21-year-old fits that mold, but being ready for NBA minutes is a different bar to clear.
He took a massive leap in his third college season and hopes to translate that. Fans won’t know until they see him on the floor in training camp.
The pressure is on immediately. From Pelinka saying the Lakers had a first-round grade on him to the team’s win-now focus, all signs point to him needing to prove something immediately if he wants to stick on their roster. LA tried to trade Dalton Knecht last season and may dump Thiero before the deadline if he isn’t in the rotation.
It is a massive ask for a rookie to instantly prove himself in the best league in the world, but such is life on an annual contender. The Lakers have Bronny James and Dalton Knecht as young players with questionable production. They don’t want three of those options clogging their roster, which only further ratchets up the pressure.
The Los Angeles Lakers want to see Adou Thiero make an instant impact. He missed all of summer league, so fans are left questioning what they have in the rookie. If the 6’6 wing doesn’t quickly shine, the ice will only get thinner. Fans won't have to wait long for the answer, so stay tuned.