Lakers’ Adou Thiero hopes summer showing cements solid role next season

LAS VEGAS — Adou Thiero’s summer league debut didn’t go how he imagined.

The Lakers’ 2025 second-round pick came into the summer wanting to dominate. He had an idea of what being dominant looked like. And then when he tried to execute that vision during the July 3 loss to the Warriors, it didn’t go how he imagined. 

He predetermined his drives. He didn’t let the game come to him, instead trying to force his will on the game. 

The result was not only a 32-point loss but also Thiero shooting 3-of-10 from the field for nine points. 

“Multiple conversations with coaches, multiple film sessions,” Thiero told The California Post about the aftermath of the first game. “I knew after the first game, I knew I didn’t play well myself. So just talking to coaches that night and picking their brain and already knowing what I got to do better for the next games.”

Since then, Thiero has changed his approach — allowing the game to come to him — and his performances reflect it.

“It’s just about him just being available and getting the reps,” Lakers assistant/summer league coach Ty Abbott told the Post. “And as he’s gotten more reps, he’s been able to get a better understanding of how teams are trying to guard him, what his strengths are, what he can go to, right? You don’t really know what you can do until you do it. It’s like a trial-and-error type of thing. He’s kind of gone through that a little bit, and now he knows how he wants to go, where he wants to go, and he’s slowed down.”

Thiero scored in double figures in all four of the games he’s played since the Lakers’ initial loss, including having his best and most efficient performances during the Las Vegas summer league games. 

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters

There was the 20-point performance on 8-of-14 shooting to go with four rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocked shots during Friday’s win over the Thunder. 

He had 13 points on 5-of-6 shooting to go with six rebounds and three assists during Tuesday’s win over the Clippers.

“With more reps, it’s just gonna keep slowing down for me,” Thiero told the Post. “So I just got to keep going out there playing and keep getting a feel for the game. And it’s just going to keep getting easier.”

Thiero’s playing time was limited during his rookie season due to knee injuries.

He played in 25 regular-season games, averaging six minutes, with most of his playing time coming in the G League. 

Thiero played in six playoff games, including being in the rotation for a few games. 

But he missed out on significant development opportunities as a rookie, which showed when it was time to start the summer exhibitions. 

“I feel like during the season, it was a little easier for me, whatever, older guys helping me, putting me in places,” Thiero told the Post. “So now I’m out there. I got to be that leader for everybody. And that’s just getting easier as time goes on.”

At 22 years old, 6-foot-8 with a 220-pound frame and otherworldly athleticism, Thiero will have a spot on the Lakers’ 2026-27 roster if his development during the summer carries over into the fall. 

The Lakers need a player of his archetype, even after their roster reconstruction.

And Thiero knows that starts with improving as a point-of-attack defender, which has been a point of emphasis from coach JJ Redick. 

“Just pressuring the ball,” Thiero told the Post what he’s been working on defensively. “Just going out there, trying to be physical on defense, talk, trying to lead on the defensive side for my teammates. And just trying to set the tone. Every night we come into the game, set the tone with the physicality and everything. Chris [Manon] does a good job at it. So just trying to be up there with him.”

Thiero doesn’t have a lot of NBA experience. 

But he has a lot with the Lakers to know what will be needed from him on a Luka Doncic-led team. 

“I just gotta be able to knock down shots whenever I’m in the corner,” Thiero said. “Run in transition and play my ass off on defense.”