BROOKLYN — With the 36th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, acquired via a trade with the Brooklyn Nets, the Los Angeles Lakers selected Adou Thiero, the rugged, versatile forward who helped anchor Arkansas’ defense last season.
Thiero’s selection marks a significant bet by the Lakers’ front office on upside, athleticism, and a defensive edge that has become increasingly essential in the modern NBA.
Born in Salt Lake City to parents who both played college basketball, Thiero’s journey has always seemed bound for hardwood.
His father, Almamy, played under John Calipari at Memphis before a stint at Duquesne, and his mother, Mariam Sy, starred at Oklahoma City University.
The family’s immigrant story, from Mali to the U.S., brought with it a relentless work ethic that has defined Adou’s approach, both on and off the court.
It was at Arkansas, after a transfer from Kentucky, that Thiero’s game reached another level.
He averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game as a junior, earning a reputation as one of the SEC’s toughest defenders.
As draft night approached, his combination of energy, size (6-foot-8 with a 7-foot wingspan) and his ability to guard multiple positions made him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to shore up their defense.
The Lakers, coming off a season marked by injuries and defensive lapses, made no secret of their desire to get tougher and more versatile on the perimeter.
“We wanted to add someone who can help us right away defensively and has upside to grow,” Lakers GM Rob Pelinka said during the post-draft presser. “Adou fits that bill. He’s got a motor you just can’t teach, and we love his approach to the game.”
Not everyone was convinced Thiero would be an easy fit.
His three-point shooting lags behind many of his peers, just 27.9% from deep last season, and his offensive game remains a work in progress.
His efficiency inside the arc (54.8% from the field), ability to finish through contact, and knack for rebounding, particularly on the offensive glass, have drawn comparisons to the likes of Keldon Johnson and, defensively, Matisse Thybulle.
Thiero’s own reaction to the Lakers’ pick was measured but grateful.
“I’m feeling good. Blessed, happy, thankful. Just grateful for the opportunity to join such a historic franchise,” he said on the ESPN broadcast, before adding, “I know there’s a lot I have to prove. That’s how it’s always been for me. I’m ready to work.”
Back at Arkansas, coach John Calipari, who also coached Thiero’s father, was generous in his praise.
“If there are 10 better players in the country than Adou, I need you to show them to me,” Calipari said after a key win last fall. “He’s a first-round talent. The league loves guys who can play physical and defend, and Adou’s in that top one percent athletically. If you pass on him, you’ll look back and wonder why.”
The Lakers’ aggressive draft strategy was a clear signal from the front office. The franchise, which has often prioritized star power and veteran savvy, pivoted to find a player who might not light up the scoreboard immediately, but whose defensive instincts could help stabilize their rotation
“We’ve seen the impact a player like Adou can have,” said Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy. “He’s already got an NBA-ready body, and his energy is contagious. He’ll push our guys in practice from day one.”
NBA analysts were quick to weigh in. Yahoo Sports gave the Lakers’ pick an “A” grade.
“The Lakers made multiple aggressive trades to move up within the second round, and Thiero was the perfect target,” they said. “He’s a slasher with a jacked frame and an explosive first step, but he has severe limitations on offense as a shooter.”
Social media reactions among Lakers fans were mixed, with some expressing excitement about Thiero’s potential to be an instant contributor defensively, while others questioned his fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
“If Adou gets a 3-ball then I think he’s a $100 million dollar player,” wrote one fan, highlighting the tantalizing upside if Thiero can expand his offensive game.
For Thiero, the next chapter begins in Los Angeles, a city where expectations are always high and patience is often in short supply.
His journey, from suburban Pittsburgh to SEC arenas, and now to the NBA’s biggest stage, has been defined by perseverance and unrelenting commitment.
“My first memories of basketball were watching my dad coach camps. I had this little Buzz Lightyear ball, trying to keep up with the older kids,” Thiero recalled in a recent interview. “That drive, to never be satisfied, has been with me ever since.”
As the Lakers prepare for Summer League and training camp, the question is not if Thiero will play, but how quickly he can carve out a role.
With his defensive versatility, rebounding, and relentless energy, he offers a new look for a Lakers squad eager to get back to the postseason.
“I’m coming in to do whatever the team needs,” Thiero said. “Defense, rebounding, making plays, whatever it takes. I’m here to win.”
