The Los Angeles Lakers traded up from the 55th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to 36th, where they took Adou Theiro, but things have been disastrous since. They paid millions to acquire him, but the rookie has yet to see the court.
He suffered a knee injury in his final college season, which has prevented him from getting on the floor as a pro. Fans weren’t worried when he missed all of summer league, but it keeps lingering. Thiero said he had swelling in the knee at media day, and the Lakers made it seem like he would return in a week. It has been four, and it seems like Thiero is still weeks away from returning. The last update was on Oct. 14 and had him being re-evaluated in two to three weeks.
The Lakers could desperately use his athleticism and defense. Theiro compared himself to Jrue Holiday and OG Anunoby. That player would fit nicely in LA's rotation, but the 21-year-old just can’t get healthy.
Lakers already regret spending millions to trade up for Adou Thiero
The rookie was not expected to play a massive role this season, but the current situation is concerning. He suffered the first injury in February and is still dealing with swelling eight months later. Thiero logged just five minutes of action in the NCAA Tournament. It was his only game minutes. Since being drafted, Thiero missed summer league, preseason, and multiple regular-season games. This knee injury just hasn't heeled.
The 6’6 wing’s athleticism is a crucial part of his game, so a chronic knee injury is the last thing anybody wants. Having swelling for months is a problem. The Lakers' lack of concrete updates makes things more suspicious. It is difficult to know what to expect at this stage.
Will Richard has looked fantastic to begin the season for the Warriors, and he was the 56th overall pick. Getting reps is crucial for rookies, and Thiero is missing that key development time. The Lakers already regret the trading up, and it will only get worse the longer he remains out with this knee injury.
The 21-year-old still has time to reward the Lakers' faith. He signed a three-year contract with the first two seasons fully guaranteed. LA is flirting with the first apron where they are hard-capped. They can’t just cut Thiero, so they have to see it through. Hopefully, the rookie can get the swelling down and return to the court. The injury has lingered for months and is already creating plenty of regret, but things can change quickly.
Los Angeles Lakers fans will settle for the truth. Nobody knows what to expect from this injury other than Adou Thiero and the front office. Expect the franchise to be cautious, especially with things lingering. All fans can do is hope. It hasn’t worked yet, but maybe things will turn around. If not, the regret from this trade and draft pick only gets worse from here.