JJ Redick May Have Revealed Lakers X Factors
This week, Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick met with the media for the first time in months and had quite a bit of good news to share with Lakers fans. They stated that they were able to achieve their three goals of retaining Austin Reaves, getting a franchise center, and signing players who can dribble, pass, and shoot.
Redick and Pelinka also made mention of two players during media availability that should be music to Lakers fans’ ears. The way they talked about these two guys made it sound like they could be the Lakers’ X-Factors this upcoming season.
Adou Thiero
When talking about the team’s offseason progression, the Lakers’ two young wings were brought into the conversation. As most fans know, the Lakers haven’t had the greatest track record with young players as of late. That’s about to change.
Last offseason, the Lakers took a swing on athletic freak Adou Thiero out of Arkansas. Not only was Thiero incredibly raw, but he was also coming off an injury. With LA, each time he was thrown out on the court, he was making a difference. This year at Summer League, Thiero showed exponential growth.
Each highlight keeps getting crazier — Adou’s Summer League tape is INSANE 🤯 pic.twitter.com/sFIOsBJdMG
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 21, 2026
When discussing Adou Thiero, Redick said, “Adou has had an unbelievable last 2 months of development — It’s the first stretch he’s had since we drafted him where he’s had uninterrupted time in the gym, and his body’s been in great shape. And he’s just gotten better.”
Cameron Carr
This offseason, the Lakers traded up to select Cameron Carr from Baylor with the 24th overall pick. Most had Carr slated to be selected much higher, and he proved why through Summer League. Carr was clearly the team’s best player and looked too good for that level, to be honest.
Cameron Carr Summer League Tape pic.twitter.com/SYvbAV1HL7
— Laker Performances (@LALPerformance) August 18, 2026
His skill set seems perfect as a pairing alongside Luka Dončić. As a long athletic wing who can score from all three levels and above average defender, Carr is exactly that. According to Rob Pelinka, that’s been the case early on.
Pelinka said, “He was on Luka’s team, and Luka was looking for him because he was knocking down corner threes. Had a couple back-cut lobs where Luka threw it up, and Cam came out of nowhere to finish.”
Are Thiero and Carr Ready to be Lakers X-Factors?
JJ Redick, over his three years with Los Angeles, has shown what some consider to be a coaching flaw. At times, it seems as though he has a vendetta against young players. After hearing what was said, it may be the end of that way of thinking for Redick.
This openess is massive news with LA set to have more competition at the wing positions during this season’s training camp. With defense and athleticism being at a premium on this Dončič-led team, is this the perfect time for Thiero and Carr to crack the rotation?
If they do, their energy and freakish athletisicm will absolutely be an X-Factor off the bench for Los Angeles to shock opponents with this upcoming season.
