The Los Angeles Lakers did not have a first-round pick in 2025 due to their acquisition of Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019.
The Lakers, of course, shipped Davis, a future Hall-of-Famer, off in a deal that netted them superstar guard Luka Dončić while Davis was sent to the Dallas Mavericks.
Before the second round of the draft began on Thursday night, the Lakers dealt the 55th overall pick to the Chicago Bulls, along with cash considerations, for the 45th overall pick. The Lakers then used that selection to acquire the 36th overall pick from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
After a busy day of deals, the Lakers then used that pick to select Arkansas Razorbacks forward Adou Thiero.
Lakers’ Selection of Arkansas Forward Adou Thiero Earns High Praise
The selection of Thiero has received early praise, including a grade of B+ from PFSN’s Brandon Austin.
Thiero, a 6’7′ forward, is long and athletic. That build and his 7’0″ wingspan combined with his high energy should make him a solid defender in the league.
“Defensively, he fits the modern switchable mold,” writes Austin. “Size, mobility, and physicality all show up. He’s comfortable switching onto multiple positions, disrupting passing lanes, rebounding in traffic, and holding his own at the point of attack.”
Thiero’s ability to make an impact on the other side of the ball is going to be the question – his shooting leaves a lot to be desired.
“The question — and it’s a big one — is the shot,” explains Austin. “Thiero hit just 28.4% from three across his college career, with a 25.6% clip last season and a 71.1% mark at the line. Until that jumper levels up, spacing will be tricky.”
However, Thiero’s energy and work ethic will likely keep him on NBA rosters and potentially make him a regular contributor.
“As a slasher, Thiero is relentless,” says Austin. “He’s got an explosive first step, vertical pop, and the kind of downhill power that makes defenders bounce. Add in his elite offensive rebounding for a wing, where he simply outworks opponents, and you’ve got a guy who brings real juice without needing touches run for him.”
Thiero spent his first two seasons with the Kentucky Wildcats before transferring to Arkansas, leaving with head coach John Calipari last year. Over the course of the 2024-2025 season, Thiero averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game. He shot 54.5% from the field but just 68.6% from the free throw line and 25.6% from beyond the arc in 27 games for the Razorbacks last season.
