The Los Angeles Lakers got Adou Thiero his first NBA action in a win over the Bucks in Milwaukee on Saturday night, and he instantly proved he can be a difference-maker with his energy and athleticism. The 6’6 wing has been hampered by injuries dating back to his college days. He missed all of summer league and the preseason. This was truly his first action with the Lakers, and the 21-year-old immediately impressed.
He got his first minutes in the opening quarter and almost immediately pulled in a hustle offensive rebound that the rookie had no business securing. The Lakers converted it into a Maxi Kleber 3-pointer. It was a play that may go unnoticed, but was massive for a squad that lacks athleticism. Thiero only got two minutes in his first stint and still made an impact.
The rookie did not return until garbage time, but he quickly made his presence felt again. Thiero drew a foul and made two free throws for his first NBA points. He followed it with a monster dunk to further display his athletic chops. He could quickly become just what the Lakers are lacking off the bench.
Adou Theiro immediately made an impact for the Lakers
Thiero is ready to make the most of a surprising opportunity. He will struggle to get minutes when LeBron James and Rui Hachimura are healthy, but head coach JJ Redick may call on the rookie when he needs a burst of energy or athleticism off the bench. The Lakers do not have a 6’6 athlete with his youth and leaping ability.
Fans can’t expect too much from the rookie. He was the 36th overall pick for several reasons, but his defense and hustle are unquestioned. ESPN’s bold pre-draft claim was instantly validated by his ability to guard multiple positions and secure an out-of-nowhere rebound. Those little things are exactly what the Lakers need to keep up their hot start.
The 21-year-old’s fastbreak dunk is worth reliving.
Squad was HYPE for Adou 😁 pic.twitter.com/A0LunRD3Lu
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 16, 2025
The Lakers do not have two-way options on the wing. If Thiero can be a crafty cutter and find ways to impact the game on the offensive end, coach Redick may have no choice but to insert him into the nightly rotation. The rookie will bring it defensively and play all out. Fans already know that. It will be his offensive game that determines his role moving forward.
Thiero can defend at the point of attack or off the ball. He will get rebounds and stocks. Jarred Vanderbilt sticks in the rotation because of his defense. The rookie should be looking to pass the veteran for those consistent nightly minutes.
The Los Angeles Lakers have no regrets in drafting Adou Thiero. He has struggled to stay healthy, but he instantly proved to be a special athlete who plays hard. Thiero is still developing, but this won’t be the last time fans see him. Expect the rookie to make an impact whenever he gets an opportunity this season. His athleticism and effort make it nearly impossible for him to go unnoticed.