Los Angeles Lakers fans didn’t get much of an opportunity to see Adou Thiero last season as injuries severely hampered his ability to make an impact as a rookie. Even still, Thiero found himself getting some minutes in the playoffs as head coach JJ Redick looked to him to give the team a spark.
As such, Thiero was one of the more anticipated players to watch on the Lakers roster as this would be the first extended look at him getting major minutes and he did not disappoint. His highlight reel from Las Vegas was full of unbelievable dunks and impressive athletic plays that showed off his immense potential, via Lakers on X:
Each highlight keeps getting crazier — Adou's Summer League tape is INSANE 🤯 pic.twitter.com/sFIOsBJdMG
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 21, 2026
The dunks Thiero pulled off in Las Vegas were outstanding and covered all bases when it comes to throwing it down. Thiero caught alley-oops, went off one or both feet, had one-handed and two-handed slams and even one with his left-hand, which might have been the most impressive of all. But there were also some key defensive plays in there as well with that chasedown block shaking the building.
Surrounding Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves with athletic, two-way players is essential, and Thiero fits that bill. He has the quickness, athleticism and strength to defend multiple positions and did a good job as the summer went on at slowing things down and not trying to do too much. Playing alongside Doncic and Reaves will open up so many lanes for Thiero and he is proving capable of taking advantage of that.
In five games in Las Vegas, Thiero averaged 15.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.0 steals while shooting 55.3% from the field. The one area that still needs improving is his 3-point shot as he knocked down just 2-of-11 from deep and becoming a consistent shooter would take his game to the next level.
Regardless, Thiero showed more than enough during Summer League to get everyone excited about what he is capable of and he will have a real opportunity to be part of the Lakers rotation this season if he can continue to develop.
Lakers sign Summer League standout Arthur Kaluma to two-way contract
While most eyes were on Thiero and rookie Cameron Carr for the Lakers’ Summer League squad, it was Arthur Kaluma who stole the show, leading the team in scoring and having some monster performances. Kaluma played so well in fact, that the Lakers signed him to a two-way contract, making sure another team didn’t steal him away.
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