JJ Redick Praises ‘Unbelievable Development’ From Adou Thiero

The Los Angeles Lakers made it a point this offseason to get younger and deeper as a roster using a flurry of offseason moves. The biggest remaining criticism of L.A.’s roster, though, is a lack of a go-to wing defender. They have depth at the wing spot — something head coach JJ Redick is excited about — but there are significant flaws with each of their options.

One thing the Lakers may have been counting on in their roster building is the continued development of Adou Thiero. L.A. selected the 22-year-old in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, and he has all the tools to be a successful wing stopper in the NBA. He’s 6-foot-7 and 220 pounds with a long wingspan, but injuries stifled his development in Year 1. However, the summer has been big for the young wing, according to Redick.

“Adou has had an unbelievable last two months of development,” Redick said at his annual preseason press conference. “It’s the first stretch he’s had since we drafted him where he’s had uninterrupted time in the gym. His body has been in great shape and he’s just gotten better.”

This is encouraging news from Redick, as the Lakers would love to have another young, defensive-minded wing option to go to throughout the season. Thiero had a solid showing at NBA Summer League, but his offensive game seemed like it will still be a hindrance in Year 2. Right now, he looks to be a bigger and more athletic version of what Jarred Vanderbilt already provides for L.A.

But if the last two months have been as positive as Redick says, perhaps he is ready to take on a real role in L.A.’s rotation. He’ll have to prove that in training camp, though, as there is plenty of competition on the wings. Quentin Grimes, Jake LaRavia, Vanderbilt, Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle will all be fighting for minutes at the forward spots.

JJ Redick had jokes about Lakers starting lineup

The training camp battle at the wings is going to be for every role, from starter to depth piece. Right now, the only three guaranteed starters are Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler, leaving two defensive wing roles to fill. Redick had jokes when discussing who might — and might not — get those last two spots.

“I’m pretty confident in three of the spots. The other two spots will not be two white guys,” Redick joked at L.A.’s preseason press conference. “Those are the two things that aren’t changing.”