{"id":162780,"date":"2025-10-14T17:41:19","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T21:41:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=162780"},"modified":"2025-10-14T17:41:19","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T21:41:19","slug":"lakers-promising-update-rookie-adou-thiero","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/10\/14\/lakers-promising-update-rookie-adou-thiero\/","title":{"rendered":"Lakers Offer Promising Update on High-Flying Rookie"},"content":{"rendered":"

Los Angeles Lakers fans hoped to see this year\u2019s second-round pick, <\/span>Adou Thiero<\/span><\/a>, take the floor in Summer League and preseason, especially after <\/span>scouting reports<\/span><\/a> touted his <\/span>athleticism and defense<\/span><\/a>. However, his recovery from a lingering knee injury derailed those plans, leaving many wondering what the rookie wing could offer.<\/span><\/p>\n

With the season beginning in one week, the team revealed some encouraging news about Thiero\u2019s status heading into the year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lakers Offer Promising Update on High-Flying Rookie<\/b><\/h2>\n

Thiero\u2019s Recovery Improving<\/b><\/h3>\n

The Lakers shared an <\/span>update<\/span><\/a> on Thiero\u2019s recovery Tuesday, revealing that he\u2019s progressed in his on-court work.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLos Angeles Lakers forward Adou Thiero has experienced improvement in his knee swelling which has allowed him to progress in his on-court activities. He will continue to build his strength under the direction of the performance team and will be reevaluated in approximately 2-3 weeks.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The 21-year-old rookie spent three years with the Razorbacks, with his career culminating in a breakout junior season. In 27 games (26 starts), Thiero averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists on .545\/.256\/.686 splits. The Lakers apparently liked Thiero so much that they traded up twice in the second round to get him, moving from No. 55 to 36 in the 2025 NBA Draft.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Nov
Nov 22, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Adou Thiero (3) goes up for a dunk in the second half against the Little Rock Trojans at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 79-67. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In evaluating Thiero\u2019s future role, General Manager Rob Pelinka had an <\/span>intriguing comparison<\/span><\/a> for him, believing he could turn into an <\/span>OG Anunoby<\/span><\/a>-type player.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>Obviously OG is an incredible player that\u2019s done so much in the league. I don\u2019t want to put pressure on anyone to become someone else, but that archetype is definitely it. He\u2019s got the 6\u20197\u2033 frame, he\u2019s incredibly explosive, I think he\u2019s a developing shooter, he\u2019s a lob catcher. I think on the other side of the ball, he\u2019s gonna be an elite defender. He has all the tools there.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

And despite Thiero\u2019s preparation being hindered due to injury, he hasn’t stopped turning heads in training camp. He even caught JJ Redick’s attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

JJ Redick on what he\u2019s seen out of Lakers rookie Adou Thiero\u2019s athleticism thus far in training camp: \u201cHe\u2019s \u2026 it\u2019s insane. I mean, head at the rim. It\u2019s insane. It\u2019s insane.\u201d<\/p>\n

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 11, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n