The weekend arrest of two men in West Hollywood has unexpectedly drawn together the worlds of the NFL and NBA. What initially appeared to be a routine vehicle theft investigation soon took on wider attention, as one of the suspects was linked to one of football’s most recognizable young stars.
Puka Nacua’s Brother and One Other Arrested in Adou Thiero SUV Case
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, deputies were called to the One Hotel on Sunset Boulevard after an SUV belonging to Los Angeles Lakers forward Adou Thiero was tracked to the location. Investigators said that the vehicle had been taken without consent and was later valet-parked at the hotel while the suspects went inside.
Puka Nacua’s brother, Samson Nacua, has been arrested after allegedly stealing Los Angeles Lakers rookie Adou Thiero’s SUV, per @NBCLA
“Two men, including the brother of Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, were arrested over the weekend after allegedly taking Los Angeles Lakers… pic.twitter.com/ua8yOHRKZb
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 18, 2025
Security footage played a key role in identifying the individuals involved. After reviewing video from the hotel, deputies located and arrested two men nearby. The suspects were identified as 27-year-old Trey Rose and 27-year-old Samson Nacua, the brother of Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua.
The sheriff’s department outlined how each suspect was allegedly involved, stating: “During the initial investigation, it was discovered that suspect Nacua took the vehicle from the Wilshire location, and suspect Rose was the driver when they arrived at the Sunset location… Both suspects were arrested for taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent.”
Authorities initially indicated that both men were being held on suspicion of taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent. A later update reported that Nacua and Rose were released Saturday night, with the investigation remaining ongoing. It is unclear whether either suspect has retained legal representation.
The incident adds another chapter to Samson Nacua’s uneven professional football path. He previously played alongside his brother at BYU before signing with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2022.
His career later included short stints with the USFL’s Pittsburgh Maulers and the UFL’s Michigan Panthers, as well as a brief preseason run with the New Orleans Saints. Last spring, Nacua was suspended one game after striking a fan following a loss, an incident that drew league discipline.
For Thiero, the situation arrived early in his NBA career. The 21-year-old was selected 36th overall in this year’s NBA Draft and has appeared in nine games for the Lakers this season.
The case also lands during a high-profile moment for Nacua, who has established himself as one of the NFL’s top receivers this season while recently attracting attention for controversial moments during a livestream appearance. Although he is not accused of any involvement, the arrest of his brother ensures that he will continue to face scrutiny as the investigation unfolds.
