In a dramatic twist that sent ripples through the 2025 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers executed a strategic trade to move up to the No. 36 overall pick, selecting Arkansas guard Adou Thiero—an explosive, high-upside talent whose stock had quietly surged in recent weeks. The Lakers, fresh off another playoff run that fell short of championship expectations, signaled their intent to retool with young, dynamic contributors who can inject life into a roster built around aging stars and uncertain timelines.
Thiero’s selection didn’t just represent another second-round flyer; it was a calculated decision by Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and the front office, who clearly see something special in the 6-foot-6 guard. Reports indicate the Lakers packaged future second-round picks along with cash considerations to pull off the move, completing the trade with a team that had been fielding offers for the pick throughout draft night. Though the partner team has yet to be officially confirmed, insiders suggest it may have been either the Portland Trail Blazers or Charlotte Hornets, both of whom were exploring avenues to add long-term assets and shed pick obligations.
For the Lakers, this pick marks a shift in philosophy. In years past, the front office has been known to favor veteran acquisitions over developing raw talent. But with the selection of Thiero, Los Angeles is showing a willingness to take chances on high-energy, two-way players who bring length, athleticism, and upside to the court. And Thiero, with his combination of explosive first-step quickness, defensive versatility, and relentless motor, fits that bill perfectly.
Adou Thiero’s basketball journey has been one defined by grit, growth, and perseverance. After starting his collegiate career at Kentucky, Thiero transferred to Arkansas under Eric Musselman’s high-octane system, where he blossomed into one of the most dynamic guards in the SEC. He averaged 13.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game during his junior season, but it was his impact beyond the box score that really caught scouts’ attention. Whether it was locking down the opposing team’s best perimeter player, flying in for offensive rebounds, or diving for loose balls in key moments, Thiero showcased the kind of intangibles NBA teams crave.
Multiple executives had Thiero rated as a top-25 talent, but concerns about his streaky perimeter shooting and lack of elite playmaking kept him on the board into the second round. The Lakers, however, weren’t willing to risk waiting any longer. As other names were flying off the board early in the second round, Pelinka and company made their move, confident that Thiero could thrive in a developmental system that has previously helped players like Austin Reaves, Alex Caruso, and Talen Horton-Tucker grow into meaningful contributors.
This isn’t the first time Los Angeles has looked beyond the lottery to uncover gems. In fact, some of their most impactful players in recent years were either undrafted or selected outside the first round. The addition of Thiero continues that trend and suggests the Lakers may be embracing a hybrid approach—balancing the pursuit of another title in LeBron James’ twilight with the need to build a sustainable core for the future.
In Thiero, the Lakers get a defensive menace who can guard three positions and has the size and agility to switch comfortably on the perimeter. Offensively, his game is still evolving, but the flashes are impossible to ignore. At Arkansas, he developed a confident midrange pull-up and showed improved shot mechanics from deep. If he can find consistency from beyond the arc, he has the tools to become a legitimate 3-and-D threat with slashing ability.
Thiero’s selection also aligns with new head coach JJ Redick’s vision for the team. Redick, known for his analytical mind and emphasis on spacing and tempo, reportedly had a strong influence on the draft board. Sources close to the situation say Redick was “pounding the table” for Thiero in pre-draft meetings, believing that his defensive intensity and athleticism fit perfectly into a modern NBA system. Redick is also said to be excited about the prospect of molding Thiero into a positionless weapon capable of contributing immediately off the bench while developing into a long-term starter.
The Lakers’ pick has already drawn strong reactions from analysts and fans alike. ESPN’s Jay Bilas called it “one of the steals of the second round,” noting that Thiero “plays with a controlled fury and shows the kind of raw potential that, in the right system, could really pop.” Meanwhile, longtime NBA scout Jonathan Givony said, “Adou Thiero was a sleeper going into this draft. The Lakers getting him at 36 is a great value and one of the smartest moves of the night.”
Lakers legend Magic Johnson even weighed in via social media, praising the front office’s aggressive move and congratulating Thiero on joining the storied franchise. “Love what I’m seeing from the Lakers tonight,” Johnson tweeted. “Adou Thiero is a competitor and a winner. He’s going to bring energy and defense to this team right away.”
Thiero himself expressed gratitude and excitement in his first post-selection interview. Speaking with ESPN’s Malika Andrews moments after hearing his name called, Thiero said, “It means everything to me. I’ve worked so hard for this moment, and to be selected by a team like the Lakers—it’s surreal. I’m ready to come in, play my role, and earn everything I get.”
He added that he’s looking forward to learning from the veterans on the team, particularly LeBron James. “Getting the chance to be around someone like LeBron is a dream,” Thiero said. “I want to soak up everything I can, on and off the court. I know I’m still developing, but I believe I can help this team win.”
Indeed, the mentorship possibilities for Thiero are significant. Between LeBron’s on-court brilliance, Anthony Davis’ defensive mastery, and Redick’s understanding of spacing and execution, the environment is ripe for a young player to flourish—especially one as driven and coachable as Thiero. The Lakers are hopeful that by surrounding him with the right voices, they can unlock a version of Thiero that eventually exceeds even his most optimistic projections.
There’s also a cultural benefit to a pick like this. Thiero has earned a reputation as a relentless worker and a selfless teammate, someone who doesn’t mind doing the dirty work and who takes pride in defense. That kind of attitude is contagious in a locker room and will be particularly valuable in a Lakers environment that has sometimes struggled to find role players who can perform without needing the ball.
Of course, the transition to the NBA is never guaranteed, and Thiero will have to earn his minutes the hard way. But if his collegiate journey is any indication, he won’t back down from the challenge. Arkansas head coach Eric Musselman said it best during draft night coverage when asked about Thiero’s NBA future: “Adou is a dog. He’s fearless, coachable, and relentless. If anyone’s going to make it at the next level because of sheer willpower, it’s him.”
As Summer League approaches, all eyes will be on how Thiero adapts to the Lakers’ system and pace of play. The team expects him to participate in all games in Las Vegas, where fans will get their first real glimpse of how his talents translate to the NBA level. Should he show the kind of defensive energy and transition explosiveness that defined his college career, Thiero could quickly become a fan favorite—and possibly a rotation piece by the time the regular season begins.
The Lakers’ decision to target Thiero also sends a subtle message to the rest of the league: they’re no longer just hunting stars—they’re building something sustainable. For a team often accused of short-term thinking and chasing headlines, this pick is a refreshing signal of long-term investment, development, and competitive balance. It’s not a blockbuster move on paper, but it could turn out to be one of the defining moments of this draft class years down the line.
In the chaotic swirl of draft night trades, surprises, and smokescreens, the Lakers may have found their gem in Adou Thiero. Only time will tell how his NBA journey unfolds, but if his past is any predictor, he’s just getting started. And in Los Angeles, the spotlight will be shining brighter than ever.
