The Los Angeles Lakers have increasingly leaned on their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, as a vital extension of their development system in recent weeks.
Two-way players Drew Timme, Nick Smith Jr., and Chris Manon have all seen action, alongside NBA assignees Bronny James and Adou Thiero.
For Thiero, whose rookie campaign has been disrupted by multiple injuries, these appearances represent a crucial opportunity to rediscover rhythm and demonstrate the upside that led the Lakers to select him with the 36th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Lakers Continue to Prioritize Thiero’s Development Through South Bay
In what was just his fifth G League appearance of the season, and his second in a five-day span, Thiero returned to the floor for South Bay on Wednesday.
In a convincing 113-99 win over the Valley Suns, the 21-year-old once again showed encouraging signs, finishing with 14 points and seven rebounds while shooting an efficient 6-of-9 from the field across 24 minutes.
He also displayed his broader skill set, adding two assists and a block in a well-rounded performance.
In the same contest, Bronny James scored a season-high 21 points, while Nick Smith Jr. led the team with 24 points and six assists off the bench.
Thiero had already delivered one of his most promising performances days earlier in a win over the Texas Legends, recording a season-high-tying 19 points, seven rebounds, and one assist.
He shot an ultra-efficient 7-of-8 from the field, including a made three-pointer.
Across five G League appearances this season, the Lakers rookie is averaging 15.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.2 steals while shooting an impressive 63.6% from the field.
Notably, South Bay has won all five of those games. His efficiency and decision-making have stood out as well, committing just four total turnovers across the stretch, including two turnover-free outings.
Injuries and Limited NBA Minutes Make G League Assignments Essential
Thiero’s development opportunities in South Bay come after a challenging start to his professional career.
He opened the season sidelined while recovering from knee surgery and later missed additional time with an MCL sprain that kept him out throughout January and into early February. Only recently has he been able to return to consistent on-court action.
Even when available, opportunities at the NBA level have been scarce. Thiero has appeared in just 17 games for Los Angeles, totaling only 98 minutes and averaging 1.5 points and 1.1 rebounds in limited playing time.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick has made clear that extended minutes in the G League are a deliberate part of Thiero’s development plan.
“We’re just going to look for opportunities to get him minutes,” Redick said earlier in the season, 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.”
For young players, particularly second-round picks, consistent G League action often serves as a critical bridge between potential and NBA readiness.
The structured environment allows players to refine their instincts, expand their offensive role, and build confidence through repetition.
For Thiero, the early returns have been encouraging. With steady playing time and defined responsibilities in South Bay, he is beginning to build momentum and demonstrate the two-way potential that made him an intriguing draft selection.
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