The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to make some moves this offseason, and they just made their first one by trading up to select Adou Thiero.
The Lakers traded with the Minnesota Timberwolves to acquire the 36th pick in the NBA Draft in exchange for the 45th pick in the draft and cash considerations. The 36th pick in the draft originally belonged to the Brooklyn Nets, and the Lakers would then go on to select Thiero with the 36th pick.
Thiero finished his Junior year at the University of Arkansas this past year and is listed at 6’8 220 lbs on their official website. Thiero saw his basketball dreams come true as he was drafted into the NBA, and couldn’t wait to share his excitement on social media.
Adou Thiero Has Already Embraced Los Angeles As His Home
Thiero is the newest member of the LA Lakers and could not be happier about it. He took to his X account to share a heartfelt four-word message with his new franchise and fanbase. “Laker Nation, I’m Home,” Thiero shared on Thursday night.
Home, he is indeed, as Thiero is the first piece of the Lakers’ retooling effort this summer, and he is a good piece to have. Thiero finished his Junior year at Arkansas, averaging 15.1 points, 1.8 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals, all on 51.4% shooting from the field.
In addition, Thiero was called a draft steal by his coach last season, John Calipari. Calipari is famous for churning out NBA-level players from his time at the University of Memphis and the University of Kentucky before becoming the Head Coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks. In his first year at Arkansas, Calipari has another player drafted to the NBA in Thiero.
Laker Nation I’m Home 💜💛
— Adou (@adouthiero3) June 27, 2025
Meanwhile, the franchise also seemed to be equally excited to have Thiero onboard. They took to social media to welcome their newest addition.
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. pic.twitter.com/2h0YxpwTFL
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 27, 2025
Thiero is known for his insanely 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 off-season.
Thiero is the first piece of the off-season puzzle as he has a chance to make an impact with the Lakers by playing the game the way he knows how. Thiero seems up for the challenge, as he also posted an iconic Lakers hashtag to his X account as well:
— Adou (@adouthiero3) June 27, 2025
Expressing his resolute mindset, Thiero declared, “Whatever Coach JJ needs me to do, I’m ready to go out there and do it. Just put me on the floor, I got you. I’m gonna go out there and do all the little things. Whatever needs to be done will be done.”
