The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed in principle to acquire the draft rights to Adou Thiero, the 36th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, in a trade that is expected to be finalized at a later date.
In a move that could significantly impact the direction of their roster heading into the 2025 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers have agreed in principle to acquire the draft rights to Adou Thiero, the 36th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The trade, which has not yet been finalized, represents a calculated and potentially high-upside decision by a Lakers front office determined to retool the team’s depth with a blend of youth, athleticism, and versatility.
Thiero, a 6-foot-8 hybrid forward out of Kentucky, brings with him an intriguing skill set and a unique backstory that has earned him rising buzz in recent months. Known for his tenacity, length, and defensive versatility, Thiero’s development over the past two seasons in Lexington has turned heads, not only among scouts but also within team war rooms across the NBA. Though not a household name like some lottery picks, his ascent from a lightly recruited high school prospect into a dependable SEC contributor has been remarkable, and his tools have made him a popular sleeper among analysts.
For the Lakers, the decision to target Thiero — particularly in the early stages of the second round — indicates a willingness to lean into long-term development, even as the franchise remains in win-now mode. After years of seeking veteran-heavy rotations around superstars, Los Angeles may be pivoting slightly toward a more modern roster-building philosophy: one that includes late-blooming collegiate prospects who can contribute sooner than later on affordable contracts. Thiero, while still raw in certain areas, may fit that mold perfectly.
According to league sources, the deal is expected to involve draft considerations and/or minor assets heading to the team that originally selected Thiero with the 36th pick. Though details have not yet been publicly disclosed, the Lakers’ front office has long been known to monitor undervalued prospects in the second round and find ways to extract value from them — a pattern that dates back to prior gems like Jordan Clarkson and Talen Horton-Tucker.
Thiero’s arrival — assuming the trade is finalized in the coming days — brings into focus several fascinating dynamics regarding both his fit in the Lakers’ ecosystem and the team’s broader strategy for 2025. At 21 years old, Thiero enters the league as a physical defender with a nearly 7-foot wingspan, impressive lateral mobility, and the kind of positional flexibility that NBA teams now covet. He can guard wings, switch onto guards in space, and rebound at a high level — all traits that are especially useful on a team looking to fill gaps behind its established stars.
What stands out about Thiero isn’t necessarily a flashy highlight reel or elite scoring pedigree, but a rugged, all-business approach that could thrive alongside the Lakers’ veteran nucleus. He averaged 9.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game in his final season at Kentucky, while also showcasing significant improvement as a spot-up shooter from the corners — a skill that would serve him well on a team with floor-spacing needs.
The Lakers have often found themselves exposed defensively in second-unit situations, especially on the wings and at the point-of-attack. Thiero could help alleviate some of that strain. He isn’t projected to be a high-usage player offensively, but in a league that increasingly values switchable defenders and off-ball contributors, he brings traits that could translate to meaningful minutes sooner than expected. There’s also the added benefit of playing under a coaching staff that’s likely to emphasize development without placing immediate star-level pressure on him.
Furthermore, Thiero’s blue-collar mentality and background may make him an ideal cultural fit for a Lakers team looking to find young players who are willing to buy into their role. Coming from a family steeped in basketball and professional athleticism — his father played at a high level overseas, while his mother competed as a track and field athlete — Thiero has grown up around discipline, resilience, and elite competition. Those qualities have shaped his work ethic and helped fuel his late growth spurt, which transformed him from a 6-foot guard into a rangy forward capable of impacting multiple facets of the game.
This isn’t the first time the Lakers have been aggressive in pursuing players outside the top 30. In fact, their front office has shown a penchant for using second-rounders or undrafted signings as building blocks. Austin Reaves, an undrafted signee, has become a core rotation player and a fan favorite. Similarly, they’ve used their G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, to develop young talent and create a pipeline of players familiar with the team’s style and expectations. Thiero could be the next name in that developmental queue — with perhaps a higher ceiling than most.
What remains to be seen is how Thiero’s game adjusts to the speed and complexity of the NBA. While he showed flashes of two-way upside in college, his handle is still a work in progress, and his perimeter shooting — while improved — needs further refinement. Nevertheless, he’s earned praise for his learning curve, unselfishness, and willingness to embrace coaching, which bodes well for his transition into the pros.
From a front-office perspective, the move also offers cost-controlled upside. In a league where even mid-tier role players can command significant salaries, locking in a promising contributor on a second-round rookie deal is a strategic win. It gives the Lakers financial flexibility while still adding a player who, in time, could blossom into a reliable rotation piece or even a starter, depending on how his offensive game evolves.
This trade also sends a subtle signal about the team’s future direction. While the Lakers continue to operate with championship aspirations — especially as long as LeBron James and Anthony Davis remain on the roster — there is also a clear desire to layer in young talent who can extend the competitive window beyond the current core. Whether that means preparing for a full transition post-LeBron or simply building better roster balance, moves like this suggest a more nuanced and forward-thinking approach.
As for Thiero himself, this represents both a golden opportunity and a major challenge. Los Angeles is one of the NBA’s most demanding and scrutinized markets, and while second-round picks are often given time to grow, the spotlight in L.A. can be unforgiving. However, for a player who’s overcome long odds and steadily risen through hard work and perseverance, this next chapter may simply be the latest step in his evolution.
He joins a franchise steeped in history, surrounded by championship banners and legendary names. But he also enters a locker room filled with experienced veterans who can mentor him, a coaching staff that values defensive intensity, and a fanbase that appreciates hustle and heart. If Thiero can carve out a role with the Lakers — whether that begins immediately or takes a season of development — he could quickly endear himself to both the coaching staff and the fans.
