The Los Angeles Lakers entered the NBA draft with only the 55th overall pick. However, on Wednesday morning, they made the decision to trade up from No. 55 to No. 45—before ultimately moving up again to secure the No. 36 pick. It quickly became clear they had a specific target in mind.
With that pick, the Lakers selected athletic two-way wing Adou Thiero from the Arkansas Razorbacks. Thiero was originally recruited out of high school by John Calipari and spent two seasons at Kentucky before following Calipari to Arkansas, where he had the best season of his collegiate career.
Shortly after Thiero's name was called, Calipari took to social media to share a strong message about the player he helped develop—making it clear just how much belief he has in Thiero’s NBA future
"I’m so proud of how far Adou has come from a 5’11 9th grader to becoming an NBA player," Calipari said. "Incredible journey. Forget what round he is drafted in he is a player they will look at and go “how did he get drafted there that was a steal”
He continued, "We have had guys go in the second round or even undrafted that go on to have a great NBA career! He has what it takes mentally and physically to succeed in the NBA. Go do it Adou!"
Adou Thiero made significant strides during his college career. As a freshman, he didn’t start a single game and averaged just 2.3 points per contest. That changed in his sophomore season, when he started 19 games and boosted his average to 7.2 points per game.
Then came the pivotal decision—he followed head coach John Calipari to Arkansas for his junior year, where he truly broke out. Thiero started 26 games and averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.
His growth as an athletic, two-way player made him an ideal fit for the Lakers, who are actively seeking versatile defenders who can run the floor and stretch the court.
Former Arkansas Razorbacks forward Adou Thiero (3)
Former Arkansas Razorbacks forward Adou Thiero (3)
Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
After being selected by the Lakers with the 36th overall pick, Thiero shared his excitement about joining one of the most prestigious franchises in NBA history.
“It feels good, dream come true, just happy to be here,” Thiero said. “Playing for the Lakers too—that’s a blessing for sure.”
As for his role under new head coach JJ Redick, Thiero made it clear he’s ready for anything.
“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.”