Lakers Provide Major Update on Future of Injury-Prone Rookie

The Los Angeles Lakers have spent several seasons searching for reliable wing depth, prompting a midseason move for Luke Kennard at the trade deadline to address their need for perimeter shooting.

While Kennard strengthened the offense, the addition did little to resolve broader defensive issues, with the Lakers currently ranking 24th in the league in defensive rating at 116.8.

The selection of Adou Thiero in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft signaled an effort to address those concerns long-term. However, injuries have delayed his impact.

Now, recent developments suggest that process is finally beginning to move in the right direction.

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Lakers Continue Careful Development Plan for Adou Thiero

Ahead of Saturday’s matchup against the Golden State Warriors, Rui Hachimura is set to miss his second consecutive game due to illness.

Despite reduced wing depth and an ongoing three-game losing streak, the Lakers have opted to keep Thiero assigned to their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.

Los Angeles has taken a cautious approach with the rookie following offseason knee surgery that sidelined him early in the season, as well as a recent MCL sprain that kept him out throughout January.

The organization has limited his workload, allowing him to appear in one game during each of South Bay’s recent back-to-back sets as he continues rebuilding rhythm and conditioning.

He recently delivered one of his most efficient performances of the season against the Texas Legends, finishing with a season-high-tying 19 points and seven rebounds on 7-of-8 shooting, including a made three-pointer.

He followed that with another encouraging showing against the Valley Suns, posting 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and a block while shooting 6-of-9 from the field in 24 minutes.

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Los Angeles Seeing Early Signs of Two-Way Potential

Across five G League appearances this season, Thiero is averaging 15.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.2 steals while shooting an efficient 55.6% from the field.

Although the sample size remains small, he has already flashed the athleticism and defensive versatility that made him an intriguing draft selection.

Just as notably, he has averaged only 0.8 turnovers per game, including two error-free outings, highlighting encouraging decision-making for a developing rookie.

The Lakers’ continued decision to keep Thiero in South Bay reflects a clear developmental strategy.

With consistent minutes and a defined role unavailable at the NBA level, the G League provides him the opportunity to build confidence, refine his skillset, and regain full form following his injury setbacks.

A similar path has been followed by Lakers guard Bronny James, who has appeared in South Bay’s last four games over a six-day span.

In his most recent outing against the Valley Suns, James recorded 12 points, two rebounds, one assist, and two steals on 5-of-10 shooting as South Bay secured a dominant 129-88 victory.

That performance came shortly after his most impressive showing of the season, when he scored a season-high 21 points against the same opponent.

South Bay’s recent success has mirrored the growth of its young contributors.

The team has won five straight games and improved to 15-8 on the season, strengthening its playoff position while continuing to serve as a critical developmental platform for several key Lakers prospects.

As the Lakers navigate a difficult stretch of the season, the progress of players like Thiero offers a glimpse into the franchise’s longer-term vision.

Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, based in Paris, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and wider global sport. More about Matt Evans