Things did not go as planned for the Lakers when their preferred draft pick, Ryan Kalkbrenner, was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 34th overall pick. The Lakers, who were forced to adjust, responded by moving up in the draft and packaging their pick (45 from the Bulls) with cash in a deal for the 36th pick.
The trade was shocking enough on its own, but fans quickly moved to a more pressing question: who would they select with their only pick of the night? The answer was Adou Thiero, a 6’8″ forward out of Arkansas. He averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game on 54.5% shooting for the Razorbacks and is now the newest member of the Lakers.
“Brings a unique combination of quickness, power, and explosiveness that makes him a mismatch forward,” wrote ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. “Can also do some impressive things defensively one-on-one, racking up steals and blocks in bunches.”
The Lakers were projected to draft a center to fill their void at the position, but after losing out on Kalkbrenner, they changed course and settled on Thiero instead. His game is comparable to other athletic wing players like Derrick Jones Jr., Jaden McDaniels, and Jimmy Butler. Best of all, he has the work ethic to help him live up to those standards, and it’s why some Lakers fans see him as a major part of the team’s future.
“He might be their future small forward when Bron does retire in the following years,” wrote one Lakers fan on X.
While Thiero needs improvement as a shooter, he has great size and the natural tools to be a consistent two-way player. His gritty and passionate play style should make him a great fit in JJ Redick’s rotation.
“Has the physical tools. 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,” an NBA college scout said to Dan Woike.
“Adou Thiero is the steal of this NBA draft,” wrote one fan on X. “The Lakers got a good one.”
Of course, there are questions about Thiero’s ceiling and his concerning shooting struggles. But if he can play the right way and find his flow within the offense, it will go a long way toward earning a more permanent spot on the team.
Ultimately, while this night did not go as expected for most Lakers fans, it can still be considered a win, given they got one of the best young talents available to add to their star-studded core. If they can just sign or trade for a big man this offseason, it will settle a lot of concerns about the team and put them on pace for a dominant season.
At 21 years old, Adou is still learning where he fits into the Lakers’ long-term vision, but it could be a while before we see him get comfortable in the NBA landscape. Until then, he’ll have an opportunity to learn the ropes from some of the best players in the game: LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
