Adou Thiero’s rookie season with the Los Angeles Lakers was a mixed bag as he was didn’t make much of an impact early on due to his recovery from left knee surgery he underwent during his final year at Arkansas.
The operation prevented Thiero from playing in the 2025 Summer League, but that isn’t expected to be the case this year.
“Most likely,” Thiero said when asked if he is playing in Summer League this offseason. “I didn’t get to play last year, so I would assume they’ll have me out there this summer.”
Thiero should get plenty of playing time this summer as the Lakers are among the four teams participating in the 2026 California Classic, which is being held in early July. L.A. will then play in the much larger Las Vegas Summer League tournament, which includes all 30 NBA teams.
Thiero is known for his athleticism and defensive prowess on the wing, which are key areas that the Lakers roster lacked for the most part this season. They are understandably excited about the former second-round pick’s development and what he might be able to show this summer.
Thiero figures to be the biggest name on the Lakers’ Summer League roster this year, which could also include two-way players Drew Timme and Chris Mañon. Another possible participant is whoever L.A. takes with the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, assuming they keep the selection and don’t trade it for a veteran.
Adou Thiero’s 2026 season with Lakers
Thiero received limited playing time as a rookie due to a crowded Lakers rotation, but he still averaged six minutes in 25 games during the regular season. The 22-year-old then took on a larger role in the playoffs with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves both missing time due to injury.
“I just saw how a season can go up and down through injuries or whatever the case may be,” Thiero said of his rookie season with the Lakers. “To see how everybody needs to keep all hands on deck and stay ready.”
L.A. didn’t end the season the way they wanted to after getting swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals, but Thiero is happy with how the team competed until the very end.
“That we were able to stay together this whole time,” Thiero said. “A lot of outside noise and just doubt, but happy with the way we went out and fought this last game.”
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