The Los Angeles Lakers issued their latest injury report ahead of Friday’s matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans, designating rookie forward Adou Thiero (left knee surgery recovery) as questionable while confirming that LeBron James (right sciatica) and Gabe Vincent (left ankle sprain) will remain out.
Thiero Nearing NBA Debut
Los Angeles moved up in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft to select Thiero out of Arkansas, but the 6-foot-7 forward has yet to appear in a game after undergoing knee surgery prior to the draft. The procedure sidelined him for Summer League, training camp, preseason and the team’s first 12 regular-season contests.
Head coach JJ Redick recently said the organization hoped Thiero would debut before the end of the current road trip, which concludes with back-to-back games—Friday in New Orleans as part of Emirates NBA Cup group play and Saturday in Milwaukee. Given Thiero’s extended layoff, the Lakers are not expected to play him in both contests. If he sits against the Pelicans, the club could target Saturday’s game against the Bucks for his first appearance.
Redick Explains Cautious Approach
Redick emphasized that the team has deliberately taken a conservative path with the 20-year-old’s recovery.
“We felt like he’s somebody that really fits in the modern NBA because of his motor, athleticism and size,” Redick said. “This year is really important for him as a development year—getting his body right and learning the NBA language as much as getting on-court reps.”
The coach added that Thiero projects as a high-energy defender, elite cutter and full-court pressure option—roles he can grow into once fully healthy.
Los Angeles enters Friday’s game at Smoothie King Center looking to manage a short rotation without James and Vincent while monitoring Thiero’s status up until tip-off.
Source: LakersNation.com
