Lakers' JJ Redick shuts down adding $5M defensive menace to rotation with LeBron James, Luka Doncic

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to focus on building the right pieces as they push toward the playoffs this season. The team appears to be tightening things up on the defensive end, which could be key down the stretch. Los Angeles may also be entering its final season with LeBron James, and the veteran star simply wants to compete for another championship.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”

One bright spot for the Lakers has been in the G League, where Adou Thiero is beginning to show development.

“When the Los Angeles Lakers moved up to select Adou Thiero with the 36th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, there was a clear idea of not only what he was, but what the athletic forward could become. The latter firmly relied on Thiero improving one pivotal aspect of his game — his shooting,” Lake Show Life’s Svyatoslav Rovenchuk wrote. His latest outing for the South Bay Lakers showed the type of performance both fans and the team had been waiting to see. In an exciting 113–104 win over the Santa Cruz Warriors on Sunday, Thiero had the 3-point shot falling. The Lakers forward scored 25 points in 28 minutes during the win, including going 5-of-5 from beyond the arc.

While the progress is encouraging, Lakers head coach JJ Redick made it clear there is not currently an opportunity for Thiero to join the rotation this season.

“I was pushing for it early in the year, definitely want to get him chances. But those opportunities are not there right now,” Redick said.

Sometimes the truth is difficult to hear, but Redick’s honesty reflects the reality of the roster. The Lakers have several veterans who demand significant playing time, and while Thiero’s future looks promising, his opportunity may not come just yet.

The Lakers also have several crucial games approaching, and in those situations teams are typically hesitant to add a rookie to the rotation. Thiero appears to have a bright future in the league if he continues to develop consistency with his shooting, but it looks like he will have another offseason to continue working on that part of his game.