Thiero Could Debut for Lakers by Week's End
Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick said rookie Adou Thiero, sidelined by left knee swelling, is trending in the right direction.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Basketball
Lakers coach JJ Redick said Adou Thiero could make his season debut by the end of the week, after the 22-year-old missed all seven games to begin the 2026-27 season with swelling in his left knee. Ziaire Williams was also cleared to return Monday after missing three games with left foot soreness.
Why it matters
Thiero has yet to appear in a regular season game, and his availability could add depth to a Lakers team that entered Monday with a 5-2 record. Williams' return restores a contributor who averaged 11.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals in the first four games.
Thiero, a 6-foot-7, 220-pound 22-year-old, scored 20 points in a July Summer League win over Oklahoma City, but his rookie averages were 1.9 points and 1.1 rebounds across 25 games. Redick has not yet confirmed that Thiero will be medically cleared by the end of the week.
The players
JJ Redick
Redick is the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, leading the franchise's roster management and rotation decisions.
Adou Thiero
Thiero is a 22-year-old Lakers forward who was drafted in the 2025 draft and appeared in 25 games as a rookie.
Ziaire Williams
Williams is a Lakers wing who was cleared to return after missing three games with left foot soreness.
The details
Redick said Thiero has had live exposures and is trending in the right direction, while Williams was cleared to return Monday after missing three consecutive games. The Lakers defeated Toronto 131-125 on Sunday, despite nearly squandering a 16-point lead.
Timeline
Preseason: Thiero's left knee issue first arose.
Sunday: Lakers beat Toronto 131-125.
Monday, November 2, 2026: Redick gave the update and Williams was cleared to return.
Wednesday: Lakers visit the Sacramento Kings.
Friday: Lakers host Portland, a possible debut date for Thiero.
Season Trajectory
The Lakers' 5-2 start gives them a foothold as they work through early injuries to young depth players. Thiero's return, if it happens this week, would add a developmental piece to a rotation that has relied on established contributors.
If Thiero returns Friday against Portland, he would become available for fantasy rosters and the Lakers' rotation for the first time this season. Williams' return also restores a multi-category contributor to the lineup without a minutes restriction.
The takeaway
Lakers fans tracking the rotation should watch Friday's Portland game for Thiero's status. Williams' return gives the team a healthier wing option immediately.
What happens next
The Lakers visit Sacramento on Wednesday, host Portland on Friday, when Thiero could make his debut, and visit Detroit on Sunday.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster moves, see Los Angeles Basketball.
