Adou Thiero, a 2025 second-round selection for the Los Angeles Lakers, is recalibrating his approach during summer league play with the goal of securing a more significant role next season. After a challenging opening game, Thiero has shifted his strategy to allow the game to unfold more naturally, a change reflected in his subsequent improved performances.

During his summer league debut against the Warriors, Thiero attempted to force his will on the game, leading to a 3-of-10 shooting performance and a 32-point team loss. "Multiple conversations with coaches, multiple film sessions," Thiero told The California Post. "I knew after the first game, I knew I didn’t play well myself. So just talking to coaches that night and picking their brain and already knowing what I got to do better for the next games."

Since that initial outing, Thiero has focused on letting the game come to him. "It’s just about him just being available and getting the reps," Lakers assistant and summer league coach Ty Abbott said. "And as he’s gotten more reps, he’s been able to get a better understanding of how teams are trying to guard him, what his strengths are, what he can go to, right? You don’t really know what you can do until you do it. It’s like a trial-and-error type of thing."

Thiero has since scored in double figures in all four games following his opening performance. He recorded 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting, adding four rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks in a win against the Thunder. Earlier, he posted 13 points on 5-of-6 shooting with six rebounds and three assists in a victory over the Clippers.

"With more reps, it’s just gonna keep slowing down for me," Thiero stated. "So I just got to keep going out there playing and keep getting a feel for the game. And it’s just going to keep getting easier."

Thiero's rookie season was hampered by knee injuries, limiting his playing time to 25 regular-season games, where he averaged six minutes. Much of his development occurred in the G League, though he also participated in six playoff games, occasionally being part of the rotation. The limited development opportunities as a rookie were evident at the start of this summer's exhibitions.

"I feel like during the season, it was a little easier for me, whatever, older guys helping me, putting me in places," Thiero said. "So now I’m out there. I got to be that leader for everybody. And that’s just getting easier as time goes on."

Standing at 6-foot-8 with a 220-pound frame and noted athleticism, the 22-year-old Thiero is seen as a potential fit for the Lakers' 2026-27 roster, especially given the team's ongoing reconstruction. The Lakers reportedly require players with his skillset.

Thiero acknowledges the need to improve as a point-of-attack defender, an area emphasized by coach JJ Redick. "Just pressuring the ball," Thiero said about his defensive focus. "Just going out there, trying to be physical on defense, talk, trying to lead on the defensive side for my teammates. And just trying to set the tone. Every night we come into the game, set the tone with the physicality and everything."

Despite limited NBA experience, Thiero understands the expectations for his role on a team potentially led by Luka Doncic. "I just gotta be able to knock down shots whenever I’m in the corner," Thiero said. "Run in transition and play my ass off on defense."