Adou Thiero's first season in the NBA was a bit of a wash. The Los Angeles Lakers rookie joined the mix coming off offseason surgery and rehab. That was then followed up with an injury early in the campaign. Even if 2025-26 was going to be just a developmental year from him, Thiero did not get to enjoy it in its full capacity due to the early setbacks.
There is a bit of catch-up that will be needed as a result. It was clear Thiero understood this as well as anyone else when he spoke to the media at Las Vegas Summer League.
"I feel like I didn’t really get a fair opportunity that first year with injuries and everything. I still feel like this is me still getting comfortable, still understanding everything, figuring out how I'm going to play and how I'm supposed to play.”
There has been a tun of turnover with the Lakers roster and the forward spots are calling out for someone like Thiero to emerge, seizing the opportunity for playing time. While everyone will hope Adou can get there, understanding that it may not happen right away is important.
Adou Thiero is still catching up on the comfort his rookie season never gave him
Thiero appeared in just 25 regular season games for the Lakers at the NBA level last season. That included 6.0 minutes per game, few of them ever truly being meaningful.
There was brief experimentation with deploying him in the NBA Playoffs on JJ Redick's part, but that was only a couple of games. For the most part, the freak athlete is still very green in the big leagues.
For a player like Thiero, that matters a ton. The former Arkansas forward came in as an athletic but raw prospect. There was an understanding regarding the type of development Adou would need within the Lakers system that came with his selection.
The G League did offer some of those opportunities. Even there, between the Tip-Off Tournament, regular season, and playoffs, Thiero only got 12 appearances for the South Bay Lakers (now the Coachella Valley Lakers).
Las Vegas Summer League will offer an important step in the process of him getting comfortable. Thiero will not get the same caliber of competition as he would during regular season action in the NBA. However, there will be reps for him to work on how to get the most out of his athleticism.
It is easy to envision and fall in love with the upside that Thiero should have if everything clicks for him. The young forward just needs to be afforded the time and patience to get there.
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