Lakers Make Key Decision on Injured Rookie

May 20, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; The Los Angeles Lakers logo at center court during game three of the Western Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers have made a key roster move ahead of their match against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. 

The Lakers have assigned their rookie forward, Adou Thiero, to their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. 

Adou Thiero has been assigned to South Bay - could be an opportunity to get him more practice time and maybe live opportunities. Will ask JJ about that here in a few

— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) October 29, 2025

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The Lakers' rookie has yet to make his NBA debut. Instead, he will look to get an opportunity with the Lakers' G League affiliate and get his feet under him.

He will likely play for the G League affiliate soon, which means he is close to making his NBA debut sooner rather than later, if he doesn't have a setback.

ESPN's Dave McMenamin also provided this massive update on the 21-year-old rookie.

"Lakers rookie Adou Thiero has been cleared for live on-court contact work, per the Lakers. He has been assigned to the South Bay Lakers, to continue his progression towards 5-on-5 play by joining South Bay’s training camp," McMenamin wrote.

Lakers rookie Adou Thiero has been cleared for live on-court contact work, per the Lakers. He has been assigned to the South Bay Lakers, to continue his progression towards 5-on-5 play by joining South Bay’s training camp.

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 30, 2025

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Thiero is still recovering from a knee injury that has kept him out for the past four months. It caused him to miss Summer League, the preseason and the start of the regular season.

The Lakers selected the forward with the No. 36 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. He was expected to be ready for the start of training camp, but his recovery has slowed substantially.

The 21-year-old spent three seasons in Arkansas. In his final season, he averaged 15.1 points per game, 5.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists while shooting 54.5 percent from the field.

His role with the team is unclear, but we'll get a better sense of it once he is 100 percent.

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.