Adou Thiero Trained Through Summer Break
The 22-year-old Lakers wing spent two months in the gym following an injury-plagued first season.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Basketball
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Following an injury-shortened first year in the league, Los Angeles Lakers forward Adou Thiero completed two months of uninterrupted gym training. Head coach JJ Redick expects the 6-foot-7 prospect to compete for a rotational wing role during the upcoming training camp.
Why it matters
The Los Angeles Lakers have identified a need for a young, defensive-minded wing to strengthen their roster. Thiero is vying for one of these critical rotational minutes against a crowded field of experienced competitors.
Adou Thiero measures 6-foot-7 and weighs 220 pounds at 22 years of age. He enters the season having logged two full months of dedicated training following his participation in the NBA Summer League.
The players
Adou Thiero
A 22-year-old forward selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2025 NBA Draft.
JJ Redick
The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers who is responsible for managing the team rotation.
The details
Thiero is battling for playing time alongside fellow wings Quentin Grimes, Jake LaRavia, Jarred Vanderbilt, Ziaire Williams, and Matisse Thybulle. Despite his rookie-year injuries, the coaching staff is prioritizing his defensive potential as the Lakers finalize their lineup strategy.
Timeline
The Los Angeles Lakers selected Adou Thiero in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Thiero participated in two months of gym training from July 2026 to September 2026.
JJ Redick discussed the roster depth during his preseason press conference in September 2026.
Season Trajectory
Thiero's integration is essential for balancing the Lakers' defensive needs against their established core starters. His ability to earn a spot will dictate the versatility and depth of the team's bench throughout the long regular season.
Thiero's success in earning a rotational role would relegate current wing contenders to deeper bench positions or potentially change the team's trade availability. Fans tracking fantasy rotations should monitor his minutes during the upcoming training camp.
The takeaway
Consistent physical availability is the primary hurdle for young prospects aiming to transition from draft picks to reliable NBA contributors. Players like Thiero must leverage offseason training windows to prove their defensive utility to coaching staffs.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster changes, visit the Los Angeles Basketball section.
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