The Lakers fans are yet to witness Adou Thiero’s debut in the purple and gold colors as the rookie had been sidelined for the entire Summer League due to a knee injury. According to Lakers insider Dan Woike, the rookie from the Arkansas Razorbacks is expected to join the roster fully healthy in training camp, which begins at the end of September.
In his latest article with The Athletic, Dan Woike wrote about the newest update from behind the scenes at the Lakers.
“There were definitely some eyebrows raised around the NBA when Thiero missed summer league with a knee issue, but I can finally offer a little optimism (we’re 1,000 or so words in, so I probably should),” Woike wrote.
“I’ve been told Thiero has been working out in the Lakers’ facility and is expected to be participating once training camp opens at the end of September. As far as his role? It’s gonna be crowded.”
“But it’s sort of a universal truth in the NBA. If young players want to get on the court, they do it by making an impact on the defensive end. And Thiero has the tools to make an impact on the defensive end.”
In his final NCAA season, the star rookie averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. He was initially recruited in college by the legendary coach John Calipari at Kentucky, who had a lot of good things to say about him during the NBA Draft process.
He then followed Calipari from Kentucky to Arkansas, where they joined the Razorbacks.
After Thiero was drafted, he spoke to the media about how excited he was to play alongside LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves.
“LeBron?!” Thiero said. “… It’s going to [be] fun learning from everybody, but you got LeBron, Luka, AR … I’m just ready to get with the guys and work.”
The 36th overall pick in the NBA Draft, Thiero will finally get a chance to play alongside his new teammates. The fans are surely most excited about his potential chemistry with Luka Doncic.
With Austin Reaves’ undecided future and LeBron James likely leaving the Lakers after the coming season, Thiero would be best suited to work on his chemistry with Doncic, who will, in all likelihood, be his teammate for the next three years at least.
In terms of player comparisons, his style of play is very similar to what P.J. Washington does for the Mavericks and fits the blueprint the Lakers are trying to follow. Therefore, if Thiero works hard and performs well in the rotation minutes he earns, he could have a long-term future with the Lakers. I am excited to see his Lakers debut once the season begins.
