The Los Angeles Lakers are increasingly utilizing their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, as a crucial developmental tool for young players. Among those benefiting from this system is rookie Adou Thiero, whose progress has been particularly noteworthy in recent weeks. Despite a rookie season hampered by injuries, Thiero is demonstrating the potential that prompted the Lakers to select him 36th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Thiero’s journey this season has been marked by setbacks, including time sidelined recovering from knee surgery and an MCL sprain that kept him off the court throughout January and into February. However, recent assignments to the South Bay Lakers have provided him with valuable opportunities to regain rhythm and showcase his skills. The Lakers recognize the importance of consistent playing time for Thiero’s development, and the G League offers a structured environment to achieve that.
Thiero’s Recent Performances in the G League
On Wednesday, Thiero returned to the floor for South Bay, delivering another encouraging performance in a 113-99 victory over the Valley Suns. The 21-year-old finished with 14 points and seven rebounds, shooting an efficient 6-of-9 from the field across 24 minutes. He also contributed with two assists and a block, showcasing a well-rounded skillset. This performance followed another promising outing just days earlier against the Texas Legends, where he recorded a season-high-tying 19 points, seven rebounds, and one assist, shooting an impressive 7-of-8 from the field.
Across five G League appearances this season, Thiero is averaging 15.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.2 steals while shooting 63.6% from the field, according to RealGM. Notably, South Bay has won all five games in which he has played. His efficiency and decision-making have been particularly impressive, with only four total turnovers across those games, including two turnover-free outings.
Balancing Development with NBA Opportunities
The Lakers’ strategic use of G League assignments for Thiero comes as he navigates a challenging start to his professional career. He has appeared in just 17 games for the Los Angeles Lakers, totaling only 98 minutes and averaging 1.5 points and 1.1 rebounds per game, as reported by NBA.com.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick has emphasized that increased minutes in the G League are a deliberate part of Thiero’s development plan. “We’re just going to look for opportunities to get him minutes,” Redick said earlier this season, via Silver Screen and Roll. “I consider he’s had some good three-to-four minute runs and some three-to-four minute runs where he looks like a rookie, and that’s OK. We’re also going to continue to use South Bay for him to get reps.”
This approach aligns with a broader strategy of utilizing the G League as a bridge for young players, particularly those drafted in the later rounds, to refine their skills and build confidence. The structured environment allows for focused development, enabling players to work on specific areas of their game and gain valuable experience.
Thiero isn’t the only young player benefitting from this system. Two-way players Drew Timme, Nick Smith Jr., and Chris Manon, along with NBA assignees Bronny James and Thiero, are all gaining valuable experience with the South Bay Lakers. In Wednesday’s game against the Valley Suns, Bronny James scored a season-high 21 points, while Nick Smith Jr. Led the team with 24 points and six assists.
Lakers rookie Adou Thiero in a game against the Sacramento Kings
As Thiero continues to build momentum in the G League, the Lakers will likely monitor his progress closely, seeking opportunities to integrate him more fully into the NBA rotation when the time is right. The team’s commitment to his development, combined with his recent performances, suggests a promising future for the young forward.
The Lakers next face the Phoenix Suns on February 28th, and Thiero’s status for that game will depend on his continued progress and the team’s evaluation of his readiness. Fans can follow updates on the Lakers’ official website and social media channels.
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