Lakers Upgrade Key Forward Ahead of Pelicans NBA Cup Match

The Los Angeles Lakers could get some major reinforcements for their match on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Lakers have upgraded rookie forward Adou Thiero from out to questionable.

Adou Thiero has been upgraded to questionable for tomorrow’s game in New Orleans. pic.twitter.com/WewSMzXQFL

— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) November 13, 2025

The Lakers’ rookie forward has yet to make his NBA debut as he continues to recover from left knee surgery. This is the first time that Thiero gets drawn with a questionable tag amid his recovery.

Thiero is likely to face minute restrictions when he returns from the injury, whether that is on Friday or on a later date.

If Thiero makes his return, he could grab some minutes from Lakers second-year guard, Dalton Knecht. Knecht has not been as impressive as many would have thought, and with Thiero waiting in the wings, this could be his opportunity to take these minutes if he can showcase his skills.

The Lakers had assigned Thiero Thiero to their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, in late October. A few days later, the Lakers recalled him after they cleared him for on-court contact work earlier in the week.

This story will be updated….