Lakers' Adou Thiero shines in G League as NBA role takes back seat

The 2025 second-round draft pick has made the most of his opportunities with the South Bay Lakers.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:13am

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Lakers rookie Adou Thiero has been spending more time with the team's G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, as he continues to develop his game. Despite limited playing time with the parent club, Thiero has been producing impressive performances in the G League, including highlight-reel dunks that have caught the attention of Lakers star LeBron James. The team remains high on Thiero's potential and sees the G League as an important part of his development into an NBA-caliber player.

Why it matters

Thiero's situation highlights the importance of the G League for young players looking to earn playing time in the NBA. While the Lakers' rotation is crowded, the team is committed to Thiero's long-term development and sees the G League as a crucial step in that process.

The details

Thiero, the Lakers' 2025 second-round draft pick, has averaged 14.6 points on 63.2% shooting, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 20.6 minutes per game with the South Bay Lakers. His highlight-reel plays, including a poster dunk over a Timberwolves two-way player, have been reposted by LeBron James on social media. However, Thiero's opportunities with the parent Lakers have been limited due to injuries and the team's crowded rotation. Lakers coach JJ Redick has praised Thiero's willingness to learn and work, and the team remains confident in his long-term potential.

  • Thiero made his NBA debut in mid-November 2025.
  • Thiero was sidelined for the 2025 summer league, training camp, preseason, and the start of the regular season as he recovered from left knee surgery.
  • Thiero sprained his MCL in his right knee in December 2025, sidelining him for all of January and the start of February 2026.

The players

Adou Thiero

A 2025 second-round draft pick of the Los Angeles Lakers who has been spending most of his time with the team's G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, as he continues to develop his game.

LeBron James

A star player for the Los Angeles Lakers who has been reposting Thiero's highlight-reel plays from the G League on his social media.

JJ Redick

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, who has praised Thiero's willingness to learn and work, and remains confident in his long-term potential.

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What they’re saying

“He's an NBA athlete, and we're trying to develop him into an NBA player. And that's pattern recognition. Sprinting back every time; that's being in your shifts. That's understanding rotations. That's having counters.”

— JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach

“You gotta be able to have counters when you drive. All those things that Adou has shown such a willingness to learn and work. And I think he's gonna have, he'll likely get another opportunity with us. And I think he's gonna have a great summer.”

— JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach

What’s next

The Lakers will continue to use the G League to get Thiero the playing opportunities he needs to develop into the type of wing player the team will need beyond this season.

The takeaway

Thiero's situation highlights the importance of the G League for young players looking to earn playing time in the NBA. While his opportunities with the parent Lakers have been limited, the team remains committed to his long-term development and sees the G League as a crucial step in that process.