The Los Angeles Lakers selected just one prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft, and it came early in the second round on Thursday night. They were originally picking 55th overall but moved up twice to select Arkansas standout Adou Thiero, a physically imposing, high-motor forward with a fascinating developmental arc.
The Lakers’ President and general manager, Rob Pelinka, even used significant cash to acquire Thiero. His confidence in Thiero’s abilities is sky high, evident by his bold three-word description of the rookie.
Los Angeles Lakers President Shares Bold Description of Adou Thiero After NBA Draft
The Lakers made two trade moves on NBA Draft night to move up from pick No. 55 to No. 36 to acquire Thiero, a highly athletic 6’6″ wing out of Arkansas. They started with the 55th overall pick but traded that selection along with $2.5 million in cash to the Chicago Bulls to get the 45th pick.
Then, they immediately flipped the No. 45 pick, plus additional cash considerations, to the Minnesota Timberwolves to acquire the draft rights to Thiero, who had been selected at No. 36 by the Brooklyn Nets.
According to Pelinka, the Lakers’ scouting team considered Thiero a first-round pick and said he would help them “win on the margins.”
“He’s a beast,” Pelinka said while describing Thiero.
“He’s a beast,” Rob Pelinka said.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) June 27, 2025
Thiero had reportedly been on the radar of the Sacramento Kings at No. 42, which forced the Lakers to move up twice. But for everything Thiero brings to the Lakers, it was all worth it. The selection received a B+ grade from PFSN’s Brandon Austin.
Thiero rose to prominence as a high school guard. His jump from averaging 7.2 points per game in his sophomore year at Kentucky to a 15.1-point scorer at Arkansas represents one of the most significant improvements in college basketball.
The forward shot an impressive 54.5% from the field at Arkansas while making 26 starts for the Razorbacks. A knee injury late in the season cut his campaign short, but not before he had established himself as one of the most improved players in the SEC.
The 21-year-old is known for his high motor and athleticism from a wing of his size and stature. He will look to contribute to winning right away as the Lakers hope he can, considering they’re coming off a disappointing playoff run, losing to the Timberwolves in five games after acquiring superstar Luka Dončić.
The Lakers are potentially entering a season that could be LeBron James’ last and will need to do the most they can to take advantage of it. Either way, this Lakers team has high expectations and will look to make a splash this offseason, especially on a big man.
