The Los Angeles Lakers only had one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and after trading up multiple times, they selected Adou Thiero out of Arkansas 36th overall. Thiero now gets to play for arguably the most iconic franchise in the NBA, and he feels blessed to be a Laker.
“It feels good, dream come true, just happy to be here,” Thiero said. “Playing for the Lakers, too, that’s a blessing for sure.”
The Lakers did not have a first-round pick this year, as it was sent to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of the Anthony Davis trade. Their first and only selection was at 55, but they first traded up to 45 and then to 36 to select Thiero. The Lakers only had to give up the pick and cash considerations in both deals.
Thiero joins the Lakers following an impressive junior season at Arkansas. The 21-year-old averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game for the Razorbacks in 2024-25.
Thiero isn’t a great shooter (25.6% from three last season), but he can attack the basket and has the physical gifts one needs to be a good defender in the NBA. If he can improve that outside shot, he can be a fine 3-and-D wing, and the Lakers certainly could use another one. Here’s what an NBA scout had to say about Thiero.
“Has the physical tools,” the scout said. “Downhill attacker who can slash and finish above the rim, jump shot has to improve but showed improvement over the past year. Has the potential to defend both wings…Can get deflections and steals with his length.”
The Lakers’ struggles on defense contributed to their first-round exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2025 playoffs. Getting a big man who can anchor the defense and a wing defender were their top priorities, and time will tell if Thiero can fill that second need.
As for Thiero’s thoughts on the Lakers’ current roster, he’s looking forward to playing with the likes of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves.
“LeBron?!” Thiero said. “… It’s going to [be] fun learning from everybody, but you got LeBron, Luka, AR … I’m just ready to get with the guys and work.”
Thiero will have a great example to look up to in James. There is a lot he can learn from the 21-time All-Star, and if he pays close attention, it would certainly help his chances of having a long and successful career. Thiero appears to be walking into the building with the right mindset, as he made it clear he’s willing to do whatever is asked of him.
“Whatever Coach JJ [Redick] needs me to do, I’m ready to go out there and do it,” Thiero stated. “Just put me on the floor, I got you. I’m gonna go out there and do all the little things. Whatever needs to be done will be done.”
We saw JJ Redick basically remove Dalton Knecht from the rotation come the playoffs this year. So, Thiero is going to need to have an excellent rookie season if he is to earn his new head coach’s complete trust.
