The Los Angeles Lakers are starting to get healthier after having to deal with some injuries to key players to start this season. Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent and Jaxson Hayes have all missed multiple games due to assorted ailments, while LeBron James is yet to make his 2025-26 debut due to sciatica.
James is set to start practicing with the Lakers’ G League affiliate, which means his return could be just around the corner. Meanwhile, rookie forward Adou Thiero has been unable to play dating back to summer league because of a knee injury he had sustained several months ago.
Thiero has been slowly progressing in his rehab, and according to head coach JJ Redick, he could be available to play by this weekend when the Lakers wrap up their current five-game road trip.
Via Southern California News Group:
“Redick also shared that the hope is for rookie forward Adou Thiero to be available to make his NBA debut at some point during the trip,” wrote Khobi Price.
“Thiero, who traveled with the team for the trip, was cleared for live on-court contact work on Oct. 29 and has participated in five-on-five activities. He also practiced with the South Bay Lakers.”
Thiero, who was a second-round draft pick in June, stands 6-foot-7 and weighs 220 pounds, and he possesses plenty of athleticism. In college, he demonstrated the ability to slash to the hoop, finish strong at the rim and get to the free throw line. Thanks to his athleticism, he is also thought to have the potential to become a strong defender.
He averaged 15.1 points on 54.5% field-goal shooting and 5.8 rebounds in 27.5 minutes a game last season while at the University of Arkansas. He spent two seasons prior to that at the University of Kentucky.
The Lakers will play the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday in the third game of their road trip. The trip will conclude on Saturday with a contest against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: JJ Redick gives possible timeline for Adou Thiero’s Lakers debut
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
