Lakers Assign Trio to G-League Ahead of Timberwolves Matchup

Adou Thiero, Bronny James Jr., and Dalton Knecht head to South Bay Lakers for more playing time.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 6:43pm

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The Los Angeles Lakers have assigned three young players - Adou Thiero, Bronny James Jr., and Dalton Knecht - to their G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, ahead of a crucial matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This move comes after Thiero's impressive recent performance for South Bay, where he scored 25 points and went 5-for-5 from 3-point range. However, Lakers head coach JJ Redick has shut down any notion of Thiero earning a spot in the NBA rotation, citing the team's deep rotation at the moment.

Why it matters

The Lakers are making roster moves to balance playing time and development for their young prospects, like Thiero, James, and Knecht, while also prioritizing a win against the Timberwolves. This highlights the team's focus on both the present and the future, as they aim to build a competitive roster while also nurturing their up-and-coming talent.

The details

The Lakers' decision to assign Thiero, James, and Knecht to the South Bay Lakers is a strategic move to provide them with more playing time and opportunities to showcase their skills. Thiero, in particular, has been impressing with his 3-point shooting, but Redick has indicated that there are no immediate plans to bring him up to the NBA roster due to the team's depth. The Lakers are prioritizing a win against the Timberwolves, a crucial matchup, and are sending their young players to the G-League to ensure they get the necessary playing time and development.

  • The Lakers made the roster moves on March 10, 2026, ahead of their matchup against the Timberwolves on March 11, 2026.

The players

Adou Thiero

A rookie forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, who was selected 36th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. Thiero has been impressive in his G-League performances with the South Bay Lakers, showcasing his 3-point shooting ability.

Bronny James Jr.

The son of NBA superstar LeBron James, Bronny James Jr. is a young guard for the Los Angeles Lakers who has been assigned to the South Bay Lakers to get more playing time.

Dalton Knecht

A young forward for the Los Angeles Lakers who has also been assigned to the South Bay Lakers along with Thiero and James Jr.

JJ Redick

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, who has shut down any notion of Adou Thiero earning a spot in the NBA rotation at the moment due to the team's depth.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Lakers' upcoming opponent, a crucial matchup that the team is prioritizing by sending their young players to the G-League to ensure they get the necessary playing time and development.

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What they’re saying

“When the Los Angeles Lakers moved up to select Adou Thiero with the 36th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, there was a clear idea of not only what he was, but what the athletic forward could become. The latter firmly relied on Thiero improving one pivotal aspect of his game — his shooting.”

— Svyatoslav Rovenchuk, Writer, Lake Show Life

“I was pushing for it early in the year, definitely want to get him chances. But those opportunities are not there right now.”

— JJ Redick, Head Coach, Los Angeles Lakers

“The Los Angeles Lakers have assigned guards Bronny James Jr. and Dalton Knecht along with forward Adou Thiero to the South Bay Lakers.”

— Ryan Ward, Writer

What’s next

The Lakers are aiming for a big win against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 11, 2026, as they continue to balance the development of their young players with their pursuit of success in the present.

The takeaway

The Lakers' roster moves highlight their commitment to both short-term success and long-term player development. By sending Thiero, James, and Knecht to the G-League, the team is ensuring their young prospects get the necessary playing time and experience to improve, while also prioritizing a crucial matchup against the Timberwolves. This balanced approach demonstrates the Lakers' desire to build a sustainable, competitive team for the future.