The Los Angeles Lakers have reached an agreement in principle to acquire the draft rights to Adou Thiero, the 36th overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. The deal, though not yet finalized, is expected to be consummated in the coming days and is already generating significant buzz throughout the NBA. Thiero, a 6-foot-6, 220-pound wing with a 7-foot wingspan, has been widely praised for his athleticism, defensive instincts, and physical tools. The Lakers’ front office, led by General Manager Rob Pelinka, believes Thiero is a high-upside player who could become a rotational contributor early in his career if his development continues on its current trajectory. This move is indicative of a broader strategy the Lakers have adopted in recent years: using the draft not only to fill immediate needs but also to invest in long-term assets who can grow into impactful players alongside the team’s core stars.
Thiero’s journey to this moment has been anything but traditional. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on May 8, 2004, he spent part of his early childhood in Mali before returning to the United States. Both of his parents were accomplished basketball players—his father, Almamy, played at Memphis and Duquesne, and his mother, Mariam, played at Oklahoma City and was selected in the 2006 WNBA Draft. His multicultural background and deep basketball lineage helped shape his understanding of the game from an early age. At Quaker Valley High School in Pennsylvania, Thiero emerged as a standout, averaging 23.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 3.9 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game in his senior year. Despite his impressive numbers, he was lightly recruited due to a late growth spurt and questions about his long-term position.
Thiero committed to the University of Kentucky, where he played two seasons under coach John Calipari. Initially a role player, he steadily improved his game, particularly on the defensive end, and showed flashes of offensive potential. When Calipari accepted the head coaching job at Arkansas in 2024, Thiero followed him and finally broke out as a featured player. In his lone season with the Razorbacks, he averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 54.5 percent from the field. His athleticism, length, and defensive versatility began attracting serious attention from NBA scouts, and he declared for the 2025 draft with significant momentum.
Despite projections placing him in the late first to early second round, Thiero slipped to pick 36. The Lakers, who originally held only the 55th pick, viewed him as a first-round talent and were aggressive in acquiring him. They executed a trade that sent cash considerations and future draft assets to move up in the second round, navigating through multiple teams including Brooklyn and Minnesota. Pelinka later revealed that Thiero was graded as a first-rounder on the Lakers’ draft board, praising his potential as a two-way wing who could eventually guard multiple positions and become a transition threat offensively. The front office was reportedly impressed not just with his tape, but also his pre-draft workouts and character evaluations.
Thiero is not a finished product. One of the most significant knocks against him is his perimeter shooting. Over his college career, he attempted only 74 three-pointers and made just 21 of them, translating to a 28.4 percent clip. His free-throw shooting, while more respectable at around 71 percent, also indicated room for improvement. Despite these limitations, there are reasons for optimism. Thiero has shown good touch in the mid-range and is effective attacking the rim. His mechanics, while inconsistent, are not fundamentally broken and could be improved with focused coaching. Lakers head coach JJ Redick, a former NBA sharpshooter, is expected to play a hands-on role in refining Thiero’s shooting form and offensive decision-making.
Where Thiero excels is on defense. His combination of length, foot speed, and anticipation makes him an ideal fit for modern NBA schemes that require switchable defenders. In college, he posted strong steal and block rates and often guarded the opponent’s top scorer. He’s aggressive on the glass, especially for a wing, and has a knack for turning defense into offense. In transition, he’s explosive, with a quick first step and strong finishing ability. These qualities make him a natural fit alongside ball-dominant stars like LeBron James and Luka Dončić, who will benefit from playing with high-motor role players who don’t need the ball to make an impact.
Thiero’s arrival also fits within the Lakers’ broader roster construction strategy. In recent drafts, they’ve prioritized versatile wings and guards with strong defensive profiles and the potential to grow into complementary roles. This year, alongside Thiero, the team added players like Dalton Knecht and Bronny James, and signed several undrafted free agents including Eric Dixon and Julian Reese. While Thiero is one of the more raw prospects in the group, he may have the highest ceiling if his offensive game develops. Pelinka and Redick both emphasized the importance of building a team that can defend across all five positions, and Thiero is the kind of player who could help anchor such a system.
During Summer League, Thiero will have an opportunity to showcase his skills against NBA-level competition and prove he belongs in the Lakers’ rotation. Early reports from team practices have been positive, with coaches praising his work ethic and competitiveness. Thiero himself has expressed gratitude and a willingness to embrace whatever role the team asks of him. He’s stated publicly that he’s “ready to do whatever JJ needs,” and that he views the opportunity to play for the Lakers as a dream come true. That mindset, combined with his athletic gifts, gives him a real chance to make an impression early.
The Lakers are not expecting Thiero to be a star overnight, but they do believe he has the tools to become a valuable contributor within a year or two. If he can develop a reliable jump shot and continue improving as a ball-handler and playmaker, he could carve out a long-term role as a defensive stopper and energy player off the bench. In the meantime, he’ll likely spend time honing his craft with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, where he can get consistent minutes and work closely with the development staff. The team’s investment in player development has paid off in the past, and they’re confident it can do the same with Thiero.
Analysts have generally given the Lakers high marks for the pick. Several draft experts described Thiero as a “steal” at 36, and Yahoo Sports gave the move an A grade. The logic is straightforward: the Lakers acquired a player with first-round upside at a second-round cost, without sacrificing significant long-term assets. Given the scarcity of affordable, high-upside wings in today’s NBA, this could prove to be a shrewd decision. While there’s always risk with second-round picks, Thiero’s combination of physicality, work ethic, and defensive versatility makes him a worthwhile gamble.
The acquisition of Adou Thiero highlights the Lakers’ continued effort to balance competing timelines: contending for a title now while developing talent for the future. As LeBron James nears the twilight of his career and Dončić enters his prime, the organization is keenly aware that it must build a sustainable roster that can compete today and grow tomorrow. Thiero, with his unpolished game and untapped potential, represents that balance. If he reaches even a portion of his ceiling, he could become a critical piece of the Lakers’ rotation in the years ahead.
In many ways, Thiero’s story is just beginning. He’s entering the NBA with something to prove and the support of a storied franchise behind him. The Lakers, meanwhile, are betting that with the right environment and guidance, Thiero can become more than just a second-round pick. They see in him the makings of a player who can impact games through hustle, defense, and energy—a player who embodies the grit and determination that have long been hallmarks of championship teams. Whether or not he fulfills that promise remains to be seen, but for now, the Lakers’ faith in Adou Thiero speaks volumes about the player they believe he can become.
