Can Adou Thiero Make His Presence Felt His Sophomore Season?

The 2026 Summer League revealed many promising characteristics about the youngest members of the Los Angeles Lakers. Among some standout players, Adou Thiero was finally able to show why he was drafted after a one-year stint with the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Thiero’s Athleticism Fills a Gap the Lakers Desperately Need

Across five games in Las Vegas, he averaged 15.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals. There’s a lot of promising film to unpack, and it starts with his ability to score in transition.

OH MY, ADOU THIERO

GSW/LAL I NBA Summer League Semifinals on Prime pic.twitter.com/UH16QErjxe

— NBA (@NBA) July 19, 2026

The Lakers were plagued by a lack of athleticism on the fast break last season, finishing the season ranked 16th in fast-break points.

Even though he is only a sophomore, Thiero has the potential to become the best transition scorer on the team. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 220 pounds, he excels at using his body. Whether creating for himself or others, he utilizes his physicality as a tool.

The bench lacks size after parting ways with Jaxson Hayes and Deandre Ayton. Adding Thiero to the rotation should help fill that void.

Thiero Could Form a Dynamic Bench Duo With Sexton

His offensive weaknesses will make it hard to pair him with Austin Reaves and Luka Dončic. The star-studded backcourt needs spacing to operate at their best, but it’s better for Thiero to come off the bench anyway. Although he’s technically a second-year player, his limited action last season means he’s still developing like a rookie.

He could shine off the bench alongside Collin Sexton , who is also terrific on the fast break. The pairing could form a ferocious scoring tandem in transition, a massive boost for a team that was ranked 29th in bench points.

Here's 2 and a half minutes of Collin Sexton being unguardable in transition pic.twitter.com/qualkhPj67

— Jazz Lead (@JazzLead) May 8, 2025

Not only will the two of them form an athletic duo on offense, but both of them are also arguably the best defenders on the bench. Sexton has proven himself as a defender when assigned to other guards, and Thiero has expressed a desire to become a world-class defender for head coach JJ Redick.

In an interview with Broderick Turner of The L.A. Times , Thiero expressed the desire to become Redick’s go-to guy on defense.

“JJ says we need a point-of-attack, on-ball defender and everything,” Thiero said. “So, [I’m] just trying to go out there and be that. Try and get reps in defending and then, offensively, just trying to play basketball, just trying to make the game more simple for myself.”

Adou Thiero making plays on both ends

Chasedown swat. Layup to beat the 3rd quarter buzzer.

He's got 18 points, 4 steals, and 2 blocks on Prime! pic.twitter.com/TrsJevUVe2

— NBA (@NBA) July 11, 2026

Thiero Has a Clear Path to Real Minutes This Season

Having a clear mind heading into his second season is crucial. Young players can become anxious under the bright lights.

Thiero will be a sophomore trying to help an illustrious franchise win a championship, a rare circumstance for a second-year player. His mindset is a good sign, since he’ll be asked to do a lot.

On any given night, he’ll have to step up, especially after Jarred Vanderbilt’s performance at the end of last season. He went his last 17 regular-season games and nine playoff games without reaching double figures in points or rebounds

If Thiero can replicate his performance from the Summer League, he could absorb Vanderbilt’s minutes. He provides a younger, more athletic alternative. He has more potential, and Vanderbilt has been on the trade block all summer.

Thiero has a clear role for the upcoming season, and a chance to become a real rotation piece.

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