Lakers rookie Adou Thiero to miss at least 4 weeks with knee injury

Los Angeles Lakers rookie forward Adou Thiero will miss at least the next four weeks because of an MCL sprain in his right knee, the team announced.

Thiero missed the start of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a left knee hyperextension sustained last season at Arkansas. He was eventually cleared by the medical staff to debut with the team on Nov. 15, logging nearly five minutes.

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The 36th pick in the 2025 NBA draft is the latest player added to the Lakers' injury report, joining Rui Hachimura (calf), Austin Reaves (calf) and Gabe Vincent (back). He will be reevaluated by the team in approximately four weeks.

Thiero has played sparingly with the Lakers, averaging 1.3 points and 1.2 rebounds while shooting 38.9% from the field in 15 appearances. He recorded a season-high six points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal on Dec. 23 in a loss to the Phoenix Suns.

The 21-year-old has also played three games with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, averaging 15 points, five rebounds, two steals and 1.7 assists on 55.6% shooting from the field. He scored at least 12 points in each appearance.

Thiero was highly touted as a prospect in the draft because of his ability to score in the paint, physicality and defensive instincts. The team will certainly be cautious with his latest injury and not rush him back into action too quickly.

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Lakers news: Adou Thiero to miss at least 4 weeks with knee injury