The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 124-118 on Friday night, and Adou Thiero made his season debut. He missed the first nine games with a left knee, but his athleticism was instantly on display. Thiero had four quick points and a nice assist in his first three minutes on the floor. His ability to jump out of the gym is something LA needs as they chase a deep playoff run.
Doncic stole the show on Friday night with 53 points and an incredible three-quarter-court make, but Thiero gave LA an important lift off the bench. The Lakers couldn’t buy a basket in the first half. They missed their first 15 3-point attempts, including going 0-12 in the opening quarter. They needed energy, and Thiero provided it.
The 22-year-old finished with four points, four rebounds, and two assists in just seven minutes on the floor. He made two of his four shots, and all four boards came on the offensive end. The Lakers need more rebounding and don’t have anyone else jumping out of the gym. Thiero gives them an option off the bench that was clearly different in the win over the Blazers.
Adou Thiero gives Luka Doncic a lob target off the bench
The Lakers have been searching for a trusted backup center option all season. Kevon Looney got the first crack, but LA was outscored by 29 points in his 30 minutes on the floor in the first four games. Head coach JJ Redick turned to Jarred Vanderbilt, but fans know his lack of offensive game makes it difficult to give Vando extended run. He kept the ship steady, but the Lakers still needed an upgrade.
Thiero caught a lob from Luka and had a putback dunk off a Doncic miss in the first quarter. He struggles to space the floor, so the Lakers need Thiero attacking the glass and operating as a roll man.
Sandro Mamukelashvili would be the center in the second unit, but Thiero would take on a lot of those responsibilities. Mamu can space the floor and struggles to rebound. The duo can cover for each other and lean into their individual strengths.
Looney wasn’t catching any lobs. He had to be benched because of his struggles getting to spots. Vanderbilt doesn’t have the hands to consistently make these plays either. That is not the case for Thiero.
The 22-year-old impressed in his first action of the season. It was a brief seven-minute sample that included mistakes. Thiero gives head coach JJ Redick a unique option, but the Lakers need to be cautious with Adou.
Lakers need to be cautious with Adou Thiero
Thiero missed the first nine games of the season with swelling in his left knee. That is the same knee he had surgery on in 2025. Thiero had issues throughout his rookie season and to start this campaign. Not great for a 22-year-old known for his jaw-dropping athleticism.
The Lakers have to manage this issue. They can’t be playing him massive minutes or asking him to do too much. Thiero is the tenth man in a 10-man rotation if he is replacing Jarred Vanderbilt. Los Angeles needs to keep him in that 10-minute-per-game range until he proves he can play for multiple months without knee issues.
The Lakers have struggled on the glass and have defensive issues. Those are Thiero’s two biggest strengths. He is also a great fit next to Luka because he can catch lobs and is not afraid to do the dirty work. Thiero plays hard and competes for everything.
The Lakers turned to Thiero for a reserve role in the 2026 playoffs because they needed more athleticism against the Thunder. It will be necessary again to defeat the top teams in the West, so LA should be preparing him now.
Lakers must get Adou Thiero ready for playoff basketball
The Spurs and Thunder are young teams loaded with athletic players. It is why the Lakers remade their roster. They have nine new players from last season. LA knew more versatility, youth, and athleticism were necessary to compete. The Lakers clearly improved in those areas, but the new additions don’t quite match Thiero's athleticism.
The 6’7 forward can jump out of the gym and has no fear in trying to dunk everything. Thiero will get up, which is something the purple and gold need.
He could grab key rebounds against the Spurs or be the answer to slowing down Chet Holmgren if the Lakers develop him. Thiero isn’t ready for a significant role yet. It is why there is work to do. Friday’s win over the Blazers was a positive first step, but his development is still in the early stages.
Thiero competes hard, but he needs to be locked in on the game plan and avoid making mistakes. Including the playoffs, Thiero has still only played 190 NBA minutes so far. He needs reps and skill work to be ready for the postseason.
The Los Angeles Lakers drafted a special athlete, but they need to keep him healthy. LA will need more than seven playoff minutes from Adou if they plan on winning the championship. The Lakers are tied for the best record in the NBA after ten games. They will be in the postseason.
Now, the coaching staff needs to get Thiero ready to shine in his role. Easier said than done, but fans should have faith in JJ Redick. This group looks special, and Thiero fills a clear need if he can keep improving throughout this season.
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