Should the Lakers’ High-Flying Rookie be Getting More Playing Time?

Los Angeles’s second-round pick has played well in spot minutes.

Dec 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Lakers forward Adou Thiero (1) drives to the basket between Toronto Raptors forwards Gradey Dick (1) and Scottie Barnes (4) in the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The Lakers moved up not once but twice at the NBA Draft to select Arkansas forward Adou Thiero in the second round, signaling just how much they liked hit fit next to Luka Doncic for the foreseeable future.

While Los Angeles as a whole has been led by LeBron James for a number of years, the team’s 2025 NBA Draft decisions were obviously made with Luka Doncic in mind, as the 26-year-old is now the focal point of the purple and gold's future.

Thiero’s selection made plenty of sense. At the collegiate level, he was one of the more athletic players in the country, and continues to maintain his status as a next-level athlete in the NBA.

With the Razorbacks, he soared to 15.1 points per game on 55% shooting, largely doing so by getting out in transition, and finishing plays set up by others in the half court. 

Luckily, he now flanks one of the NBA’s best-ever play-makers in Doncic. At least, he will once he sees the hardwood.

Thiero dealt with a left knee injury that sidelined him for some time. He suffered the injury while with Arkansas, and it sidelined him for NBA Summer League, as well as NBA preseason and some of the regular season.

He finally made his debut in mid-November, playing five minutes and adding four points against Milwaukee. Since then, he’s only played in five NBA contests, only eclipsing the 10-minute mark once, which happened Thursday night in the 3-point win over Toronto.

Thiero has yet to miss a field goal so far, shooting 3-for-3 in his career, largely due to his athleticism. He’s also played in two G League games, averaging 15.5 points on 58% shooting, nabbing four steals and two blocks in total.

Against the Raptors, he scored four points in his 10 minutes, managing to play some fine defense, too. His solid spot minutes have caught the attention of more than a few Lakers’ fans, who have called for Thiero to earn more time.

Adou Thiero is NICE!! 👀 pic.twitter.com/ORUG6nH1LJ

— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) December 5, 2025

Adou Thiero should stay in the rotation permanently from now onwards

— Daman Rangoola (@damanr) December 5, 2025

Adou Thiero should be getting regular rotation minutes. His motor is insane

— nyla (@nylaabell) December 5, 2025

There’s a chance Thiero’s unique physicality and athleticism could lend itself to positive impact as a frosh. But he’s more than likely being held back due to the general raw-ness hanging over his game.

The Lakers have title aspirations as early as this season, and while assimilating Thiero early could help his development, trial by fire doesn't always work out.

Thiero will undoubtedly eventually become a solid part of Los Angeles's rotation, though he'll likely need to continue playing spot minutes for the time being.