The Los Angeles Lakers [traded up to draft](https://lakeshowlife.com/lakers-instantly-make-good-on-jj-redick-promise-with-genius-second-round-pick) Adou Thiero with the 36th overall selection, and it made perfect sense after ESPN called him [the best defensive playmaker](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45506725/2025-nba-draft-superlatives-skills-traits-best-players-shooting-defense-more) in the 2025 draft class. The 6’8 forward is versatile with the ability to block shots, get steals, and ruin offenses. The Lakers certainly need stout perimeter defenders next to Luka Doncic, and Thiero fits perfectly.
The 21-year-old forward averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.7 blocks in 27.5 minutes per game for Arkansas this season after spending his first two college years at Kentucky. He took a massive step forward as a junior but has long been an interesting prospect for his defensive potential.
The Lakers need rookie contracts to balance their books and getting players that contribute on the court is a must. Thiero is ready to jump into the rotation and make a defensive impact. LA won’t have issues scoring, but they must get stops to be a serious title contender. The Lakers got the perfect fit.
Lakers trade up for Adou Thiero makes perfect sense
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ESPN called him “one of the most disruptive defenders in college basketball” along with being the best defensive playmaker in the class. That is massive praise in a draft with Cooper Flagg, VJ Edgecombe, and several other impactful talents. Thiero is elite on that end of the floor and still has plenty of room to grow.
The Lakers finished 17th in defensive rating in 2025, and head coach J.J. Redick wants them to be significantly better. The hallmark of a championship contender is being top-ten on both ends of the floor. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves struggle guarding on the perimeter, so the Lakers need every defensive difference-maker they can put around them.
Thiero was the Lakers' first pick of the 2025 draft. They traded their first-round pick in the Anthony Davis deal, which turned into the Nets selecting Drake Powell after multiple deals. LA wasn’t supposed to pick until the end of the second round, but Rob Pelinka quickly traded up to get his man.
Lakers fans can’t expect too much too quickly. Thiero is a second-round draft pick. He is ready defensively, but his offensive game is not there. Redick may use him in a limited role as a rookie. Thiero will not be a game-changer immediately, but it was a wise piece of business by the front office to get the ideal prototype.
The Los Angeles Lakers are just getting started in improving their roster this offseason. Adou Thiero was the perfect second-round draft pick, but the best is still yet to come. Be sure to stay tuned to see what the franchise can pull off.