Los Angeles Lakers fans get vital news on rookie Adou Thiero’s condition

Dan Woike recently addressed the topic of Adou Thiero in a Q&A for The Athletic, offering some perspective on the rookie’s current situation.

Thiero has returned to training and is working towards taking on a larger role. The Lakers see his defensive potential as a key asset they want him to develop.

“There were definitely some eyebrows raised around the NBA when Thiero missed summer league with a knee issue, but I can finally offer a little optimism.

“I’ve been told Thiero has been working out in the Lakers’ facility and is expected to be participating once training camp opens at the end of September. As far as his role? It’s gonna be crowded.

“But it’s sort of a universal truth in the NBA. If young players want to get on the court, they do it by making an impact on the defensive end. And Thiero has the tools to make an impact on the defensive end.”

Thiero isn’t alone in this regard – there are other young players within the organisation also looking to impress following an underwhelming Summer League showing.

NBA scouts unfazed by Dalton Knecht’s summer struggles

While Thiero sat out the Summer League, Dalton Knecht did feature for the Lakers, though he struggled to make much of an impact. Despite his underwhelming play, Dan Woike reports that scouts aren’t too concerned.

“I won’t go too in-depth on Knecht, other than to say that I think NBA evaluators haven’t put much stock into his summer-league performance,” Woike noted.

Knecht’s showing in the Summer League was far from what fans had hoped for. The Lakers leaned on others while he found it tough going. There was even talk among fans about whether the Lakers might move him before the season began. But it looks like he’ll be staying put for now.