Lakers rookie Adou Thiero
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Lakers rookie Adou Thiero in a game against the Sacramento Kings
The Los Angeles Lakers continue to utilize their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, as a vital platform for developing young talent and providing valuable game experience.
South Bay opened a back-to-back road set against the Texas Legends on Friday with an impressive 127-105 victory, showcasing several players currently within the Lakers’ development system.
The matchup featured a strong lineup that included two-way players Drew Timme and Chris Manon, along with NBA assignee Bronny James and Lakers rookie Adou Thiero.
For Thiero, the outing represented an important opportunity after a challenging start to his professional career, largely shaped by injuries since being selected with the 36th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Lakers Rookie Shows Promise in Strong G League Performance
In just 20 minutes, Thiero delivered one of his most encouraging performances of the season, finishing with a season-high-tying 19 points, seven rebounds, and one assist while shooting an efficient 7-of-8 from the field, including 1-of-1 from three-point range.
Across four G League appearances this season, the 19-year-old is averaging 16.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.5 steals while shooting an impressive 62.9% from the field.
Those minutes have been especially valuable given Thiero’s injury setbacks. He missed the start of the season while recovering from knee surgery and was sidelined again throughout January and early February with an MCL sprain, only recently returning prior to the All-Star break.
Even when healthy, Thiero has remained on the fringe of the Lakers’ NBA rotation, appearing in just 17 games and logging 98.3 total minutes. During that span, he has averaged 1.4 points and 1.0 rebound in 5.8 minutes per game.
Head coach JJ Redick previously emphasized the importance of G League assignments in accelerating Thiero’s development.
“We’re just going to look for opportunities to get him minutes,” Redick said earlier in the season, via Silver Screen and Roll. “I think he’s had some good three-to-four minute runs and some three-to-four minute runs where he looks like a rookie, and that’s OK. We’re also going to continue to use South Bay for him to get reps.”
Los Angeles Use G League Assignments to Accelerate Development
G League assignments are a common and strategic step for young players, particularly second-round picks, who often require consistent minutes to refine their skills and adjust to the professional level.
With defined roles and extended playing time, players like Thiero can develop confidence, improve decision-making, and grow without the pressure of immediate NBA expectations with the Lakers. More assignments with South Bay are expected as the season progresses.
James followed a similar path last season, using G League minutes to build momentum as a rookie. Over his final 11 games of the regular season, he averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.9 steals while shooting 38% from three-point range.
The Lakers’ second-year guard also contributed in Friday’s win, finishing with 13 points, five rebounds, and five assists. While his shooting efficiency dipped, going 5-of-14 from the field and 1-of-4 from three-point range, his defensive impact remained evident with two blocks and a steal.
Timme led the team with 25 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and one block on 11-of-20 shooting, helping secure the comfortable victory.
With the win, South Bay improved to 12-8 and remains firmly in the playoff picture. The team has now won two consecutive games, while continuing to provide valuable developmental opportunities for several Lakers prospects as they work towards establishing themselves at the NBA level.