Lakers forward Adou Thiero clears injury list for Friday opener
The 22-year-old wing returns from a nine-game absence with a left knee injury to face the Portland Trail Blazers.
By Sanjay Caldwell ·
Adou Thiero is ready to play. The Lakers removed the 6-foot-7 forward from the injury list on Thursday evening, clearing him for a regular season debut against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night in Los Angeles.
Thiero, a second-round pick in the 2025 NBA draft, missed the first nine games of the season due to swelling in his left knee. That is the same knee he underwent surgery on before the previous campaign began. His return ends a lengthy absence that had limited his role in the early part of the year.
His path to the starting rotation was gradual. Last season, coach JJ Redick described Thiero's debut year as a developmental period. The rookie spent time with the G League affiliate, now the Coachella Valley Lakers, before earning minutes in the second half of the regular season. He averaged 1.9 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 6.0 minutes per game over 25 appearances. Those numbers were enough to secure a spot in the playoffs rotation against the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder.
The offseason provided a longer stretch of healthy practice time. Thiero averaged 14.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.0 steals per game in seven summer league games. He carried that form into the preseason, averaging 18.4 minutes in three games before his knee issue resurfaced. Redick noted in October that the player showed significant growth in his offensive habits over the preceding six to seven weeks.
Redick expects Thiero to bring a specific energy to the court. The coach said he anticipates Thiero will maintain the high level of effort established during training camp and the preseason. "The biggest thing for him, I think, is number one, being able to just execute," Redick said. He added that Thiero has set a baseline of energy required to be a high-level NBA player.
Thiero will likely operate alongside other defensive-minded wings, including Jake LaRavia, Ziaire Williams, and Matisse Thybulle. These players provide Redick with various options to disrupt opposing offenses while center Walker Kessler protects the paint. LaRavia described Thiero's style as physical, noting that he plays with strength and athleticism that allows him to attack defenders at any moment.
LaRavia acknowledged that Thiero may need a few games to find his rhythm. However, he believes the forward's presence will immediately raise the team's defensive ceiling. One team source told the Southern California News Group that Thiero's most valuable asset at this stage is simply being available.
In separate news, the Lakers sent guard Bronny James and rookie Cameron Carr to the Coachella Valley Lakers on Thursday. The two will play in the G League season opener against Salt Lake City. Redick explained that the move is designed to give both players necessary game repetitions. This marks the third consecutive season that James has played in the G League.
