The Los Angeles Lakers have selected Adou Thiero out of Arkansas with the 36th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Lakers originally had the 55th pick in the second round, which is being held at Barclays Center, but traded up twice to get the sixth pick on Thursday.
Thiero, a 6'6" forward, had initially entered the 2024 NBA Draft after his sophomore season at Kentucky but withdrew his name later and transferred to Arkansas. He averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game for the Razorbacks in 2024-25 and is now a Laker.
The Lakers had initially acquired the 45th pick by trading their 55th pick and cash to the Chicago Bulls. They were reportedly interested in Ryan Kalkbrenner out of Creighton University, but the Charlotte Hornets would select him with the 34th pick.
The Lakers acted quickly after Kalkbrenner was off the board. They acquired the 36th pick from the Minnesota Timberwolves for that 45th pick and cash considerations, according to Shams Charania.
As for what the Lakers are getting in Thiero, he is an athletic slasher who struggles with his outside shot. He shot 25.6% from beyond the arc for the Razorbacks last season, and that's an area where he'll need to improve. Regardless of that potential flaw, Thiero was viewed as one of the highest upside swings in this second round.
Thiero has the tools to be a very good defender, and the Lakers certainly need one on the perimeter. It was one of their biggest needs, along with a starting caliber big man.
The fact that the Lakers have opted against selecting a center with this pick means they're likely getting a starter and a backup via free agency and trades. It will be interesting to see who they end up acquiring.
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