Los Angeles Lakers youngster Adou Thiero did not let a bloody gash stop him from making his mark on the 2026 NBA Summer League.
Thiero sustained a huge cut on his left brow that forced a late stoppage during Saturday’s Lakers-Golden State Warriors semifinals matchup at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nev. The Lakers trailed 85-81 with just over three minutes left in the contest when Thiero pointed out the blood dripping from the side of his head.
The Lakers’ second-year player raised his arms in confusion, as if to show up the referees for not calling a foul on whatever contact led to the cut.
Adou Thiero got the 'boxer cut', as he bleeds and being treated for it pic.twitter.com/MvpQeBIQRS
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) July 19, 2026
Thiero didn’t even need to leave the game. After a Lakers’ trainer cleaned up the cut, he was right back on the floor, likely much to the dismay of his opponents. Thiero bullied the Warriors all game long with his physicality. He was not going to let a cut stop him from battling in a game that would decide which team was headed to the NBA Summer League championship game.
The Arkansas alum threw down multiple vicious dunks in the contest and did not miss a single shot, going a perfect 6/6 for 18 points to go along with 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals.
ADOU THIERO TAKES FLIGHT YET AGAIN ✈️
— NBA (@NBA) July 19, 2026
He's got 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals for the Lakers! pic.twitter.com/4IhrPwN2XV
Unfortunately for Lakers fans, Thiero’s standout performance did not lead to a win. The Warriors held on late in a 92-88 contest to send Golden State to the finals against the Memphis Grizzlies.
