The Los Angeles Lakers have been dealt another setback on the injury front, as mounting absences and continued lineup instability deepen a concerning stretch of the season.
Rookie forward Adou Thiero has been officially diagnosed with a right MCL sprain, the team announced. Thiero is expected to be re-evaluated in approximately four weeks, sidelining him for a significant period as the regular season continues to wear on.
The timing is particularly frustrating for the 21-year-old, who had only recently begun to carve out a small role at the NBA level. He appeared in the Lakers’ previous six games, most recently logging four fourth-quarter minutes in the team’s lopsided 128-106 loss to the Detroit Pistons.
For a rookie still working to establish rhythm and confidence, another extended absence represents a major interruption.
Lakers Injury Report: Stop-Start Rookie Season for Thiero
Thiero’s injury is the latest hurdle in what has already been a fragmented first season in Los Angeles. The second-round pick had appeared in 15 games prior to being sidelined, often in limited spurts, but flashed the athleticism and defensive versatility that made him an intriguing developmental prospect.
While it remains unclear exactly when Thiero sustained the MCL injury, it follows an earlier knee issue that delayed his NBA debut. That setback led to a stint with the Lakers’ G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, as he worked his way back into playing shape.
In three G League appearances, Thiero averaged 15 points, five rebounds, 1.6 assists, and two steals in just over 20 minutes per game, shooting an efficient 55.6 percent from the field.
All three outings resulted in wins for South Bay, highlighted by a 19-point performance against the Santa Cruz Warriors on Nov. 21 in which he scored efficiently and recorded three steals in 19 minutes.
After earning a recall and making his NBA debut in mid-November, the hope was that consistent availability would allow Thiero to develop into a reliable depth option. Instead, injuries have once again stalled that progression.
Injury Halts Thiero’s Momentum in Lakers Rotation
From a team standpoint, Thiero’s absence further compounds the Lakers’ depth concerns. While he was not a regular rotation fixture, his ability to defend multiple positions and inject energy off the bench offered lineup flexibility, something Los Angeles has struggled to maintain at times this season.
“We’re just going to look for opportunities to get him minutes,” head coach JJ Redick said prior to the injury, via Silver Screen and Roll. “I think he’s had some good three-to-four minute runs and some three-to-four minute runs where he looks like a rookie, and that’s OK. We’re also going to continue to use South Bay for him to get reps.”
The MCL sprain now halts whatever momentum Thiero had toward earning a more consistent role. Knee injuries involving the medial collateral ligament can vary in severity, but even mild sprains typically require weeks of rest, rehabilitation, and a gradual return to basketball activity.
The Lakers’ decision to wait four weeks before re-evaluation suggests a cautious approach, prioritizing long-term health over short-term contributions.
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