The Los Angeles Lakers have received a much-needed dose of optimism ahead of the 2025–26 NBA season, as promising rookie Adou Thiero continues to make encouraging progress in his recovery from a lingering knee injury.
“Los Angeles Lakers forward Adou Thiero has experienced improvement in his knee swelling, which has allowed him to progress in his on-court activities. He will continue to build his strength under the direction of the performance team and will be reevaluated in approximately 2–3 weeks.”
This is the first significant update in weeks for the 21-year-old forward, who has yet to make his Lakers debut. Thiero, the No. 36 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, was seen as one of the biggest steals in his class, praised for his length, energy, and defensive versatility. However, a knee injury that first surfaced during his college career at Arkansas has kept him sidelined since the summer.
Head coach JJ Redick confirmed that the rookie has been active in practice but remains under careful medical supervision.
The Lakers’ cautious approach comes as no surprise. With LeBron James nursing sciatica issues and several veterans dealing with preseason wear and tear, the organization has made it clear that player health is the priority heading into the new season. Thiero, in particular, represents a long-term investment, a high-upside athlete whose defensive potential could fill one of the team’s biggest needs.
Thiero’s flashes of athleticism during recent team workouts have drawn attention. Video clips circulating online show the rookie dunking effortlessly and moving fluidly during light shooting sessions. Redick himself has reportedly taken note, calling the young forward “explosive and instinctive” during a media session earlier this week.
While Thiero’s preseason debut remains unlikely, the expectation is that he could be cleared for regular-season play sometime in November if his progress continues. That timeline would allow him to build conditioning and adapt to NBA pace before potentially earning rotation minutes later in the season.
Thiero’s appeal lies in his ability to guard multiple positions and impact the game without needing the ball. At Arkansas, he averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 54.5% from the field. His defensive presence stood out his 6’8″ frame, 7-foot wingspan, and relentless motor made him one of the most versatile defenders in college basketball.
Though his perimeter shooting (25.6% from deep) remains a work in progress, his transition game and ability to finish through contact could make him an ideal fit alongside playmakers like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
With Jarred Vanderbilt still recovering from his own lower-body injury and Rui Hachimura assuming a heavier offensive load, Thiero could eventually emerge as a valuable depth piece on the wing. His energy, rebounding, and defensive anticipation might earn him spot minutes early and a more defined role later.
The Lakers’ depth has been tested early, but Thiero’s recovery offers a bright spot for the team’s long-term vision. Redick has emphasized player development since taking over as head coach, and Thiero’s progress fits perfectly into that philosophy.
If his knee continues to respond well, the rookie could be cleared for full participation within the next month. Given his potential, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Lakers gradually integrate him into the rotation by midseason, just in time to strengthen their defensive core.
For now, the Lakers and their fans can finally exhale a little. One of their most intriguing young prospects is trending in the right direction and his return could arrive sooner than expected.
