Adou Thiero is giving the Lakers something to think about in Summer League.
Over his last three outings, the rookie has stacked together a stretch that looks a lot like a player pushing for real trust from JJ Redick. Thiero has averaged 16.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game in that span, and the production has come with plenty of activity on both ends.
His best night came against the Oklahoma City Thunder, when he posted 20 points, four rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three blocks. He followed that with 15 points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal against the Dallas Mavericks.
Then came a chippy matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers, where Thiero finished with 13 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block. That game also featured a tense moment when Clippers forward Norchad Omier undercut him on a dunk attempt. Thiero crashed hard to the floor but got right back up, and his teammates quickly came to his defense, sparking a brief shoving match between the two teams.
Thiero has already said Redick has challenged him to become the Lakers’ point-of-attack defender. That’s a clear lane for him, especially with the Lakers looking for someone who can pressure guards, navigate screens, and help cover a backcourt led by Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
He has the physical tools to do it. At 6-foot-8 with long arms and explosive athleticism, Thiero can guard multiple spots, and his energy in transition has stood out.
The shot is still the obvious issue. He needs to improve from three, but his defense and ability to finish above the rim have given him a real argument for minutes.
Through four Summer League appearances, Thiero is averaging 15.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.0 steals, and 0.8 blocks while shooting 44.4% from the field. He is still 0-for-12 from three-point range, and that part of his game can’t be brushed aside. NBA defenses will keep sagging off him until he proves he can make them pay.
Even so, the rest of what he’s shown has been strong enough to get noticed.
Cameron Carr has also been turning heads for the Lakers. Against the Clippers, the rookie scored 23 points, added two assists, one rebound, and one block in 29 minutes, while shooting 8-for-18 from the field and 3-for-10 from deep. Across five Summer League games, Carr is averaging 18.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists, and he looks ready to help right away.
Thiero’s route is different. For him, the opening is likely built on defense, effort, and transition play more than scoring.
Summer League doesn’t hand out regular-season minutes, but players who bring versatility, athleticism, and consistent work tend to get a longer look. Thiero has checked those boxes.
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