Adou Thiero might be fully healthy and ready for training camp, but that does not mean Los Angeles Lakers fans should expect to see him getting big minutes right away, or even at all this season for that matter.
The Lakers used the No. 36 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to grab Thiero, a long, athletic wing with strong defensive instincts. He has got the upside, as well as the tools.
He is also walking into one of the most crowded forward rotations in the league. That is the case even with a roster spot still open for at least a little while.
Crowded rotation likely means G League reps for Adou Thiero
As Dan Woike of The Athletic put it: “I’ve been told Thiero has been working out in the Lakers’ facility and is expected to be participating once training camp opens at the end of September. As far as his role? It’s gonna be crowded.”
He is absolutely right. The Lakers are already stacked at the wing and forward spots.
Right now their depth chart at those positions includes LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber, and Jake LaRavia.Luka Doncic, Marcus Smart, and DeAndre Ayton will also eat up a lot of the minutes.
That is a long list of names ahead of Thiero, at least for now. That is not a knock on him. It is just the reality of a win-now team that is building around Doncic. The 6-feet-6-inch forward had a breakout year after transferring to Arkansas last season.
Playing again under John Calipari, Thiero averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. That is by far the best season of his college career. He showed off real two-way potential and flashed a defensive mindset the Lakers clearly value.
“If young players want to get on the court, you do it by making an impact on the defensive end,” Woike added. “And Thiero has the tools to make an impact on the defensive end.”
Still, expect Thiero to spend most of his rookie season in the G League with the South Bay Lakers. There he will get real minutes, real reps, and plenty of time to grow in a system that mirrors what J.J. Redick will be running with the main roster.
If he does not break out right away, there is no need to sound the alarm. Not every draft pick is supposed to contribute on the very first day they touch the floor. For Thiero, this year is about development. Give it time. His moment will come.