The Los Angeles sports scene collided in the worst possible way over the weekend. Samson Nacua, older brother of Rams wideout Puka Nacua, was arrested along with another suspect for allegedly taking Lakers rookie Adou Thiero’s SUV.
LAPD Recovers Lakers Rookie Adou Thiero's SUV Stolen by Puka Nacua's Older Brother
Nov 9, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; A Los Angeles Rams helmet is seen on the sideline prior to the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Currently, both suspects remain behind bars. The incident adds another bizarre chapter to what’s already been a strange week for the Nacua family.
LAPD recovers Adou Thiero’s SUV stolen by Rams star Puka Nacua’s older brother
Samson and 27-year-old Trey Rose are the two suspects arrested in connection with the stolen SUV. Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department tracked the vehicle to the One Hotel in West Hollywood.
The suspects allegedly valeted the stolen ride at the luxury hotel before walking inside. It is surprising to see people still think about stealing things since everywhere a CC camera is available. Not surprisingly, the cops obtained the thieves’ identification via security footage while they were committing the nasty act.
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Law enforcement hasn’t confirmed where or when the SUV was initially stolen. That detail remains under investigation. For now, LAPD recovered the vehicle and handed it over to the Lakers rookie. Meanwhile, Puka’s older brother is locked in jail.
As for the victim, Thiero is trying to find his footing with Lakers coach JJ Reddick. The 21-year-old forward was selected 36th overall by Brooklyn Nets, but his draft rights were immediately traded to Lakers in a multi-team deal.
BREAKING: Samson Nacua, Puka’s brother, was arrested for allegedly stealing an SUV belonging to Lakers forward Adou Thiero 🚨
Samson Nacua was accompanied by another man, Trey Rose, who was also arrested and faces a charge of taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent. pic.twitter.com/QiCzmmQXOn
— Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) December 18, 2025
After some ups and downs, he’s finally healthy and working to earn rotation minutes under the HC. But the SUV theft adds unnecessary stress to an already challenging transition to the NBA.
And this sudden arrest couldn’t come at a worse time for the Nacua family. Puka is in the middle of a breakout campaign with the Rams, pushing for a playoff spot in the competitive NFC West with an impressive 11-3 record.
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The Rams don’t like any outside noise as they fight for postseason positioning, but Samson’s legal issues might create an unwanted distraction for the third-year receiver. However, he likely doesn’t make any statement following his older brother’s arrest.