LA Lakers Make Massive Adou Thiero Decision Amid Rookie's Injury-Laden Spell

The LA Lakers are getting a boost soon after the latest good news about rookie Adou Thiero on Wednesday. Thiero hasn't made his debut yet as he recovers from left knee surgery. He missed the Summer League, training camp and the preseason, but it seems like he's inching closer to a full clean bill of health.

According to The Athletic's Dan Woike, Thiero was assigned to the South Bay Lakers of the NBA G League. It was designed to give the Arkansas product more practice time and possibly a live game to get his conditioning right.

Woike added that Thiero has been given the green light by the Lakers' medical staff for a full live on-court contact workout. The next step in his recovery is playing in 5-on-5 scrimmages, which is expected to happen next week. He'll be doing it first at South Bay before rejoining the Lakers.

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The LA Lakers acquired Adou Thiero on draft night in exchange for the 45th overall pick and cash considerations. Thiero was originally selected by the Brooklyn Nets, with his trade to the Lakers becoming official via the historic seven-team Kevin Durant deal.

Thiero had his breakout year as a junior for the Razorbacks, averaging 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game. He is a good athlete with good defensive instincts, boosted by a 7-foot wingspan. He can score in the paint, though his 3-point shooting still needs work.

The Lakers already have Jarred Vanderbilt and Bronny James, who are both wing players with inconsistent jumpers.

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Adou Thiero willing to play in the NBA G League

Adou Thiero willing to play in the NBA G League. (Photo: GETTY)

Speaking to reporters on media day, Adou Thiero was asked about his willingness to play in the NBA G League if the LA Lakers assigned him there. Thiero is open to it since he's just happy to be part of the historic franchise. He's going to do whatever is necessary to help the Lakers be successful.

"Yes, of course," Thiero said, according to Lakers Nation. "I'm just happy to be here, happy to be in this position. So, whatever they ask of me, I’ll be ready to compete whoever it’s against."

Due to his lack of playing time since being at Arkansas, it would be surprising if the Lakers decide to ease him into the speed of the NBA by letting him play a few games in the G League.

Edited by Juan Paolo David