BREAKING: Lakers Trade Up to No. 36 Pick, Land Explosive Arkansas Guard Adou Thiero in NBA Draft Deal with Timberwolves

The Los Angeles Lakers made a bold and aggressive move on NBA Draft night, signaling their intent to reload the roster with young athleticism and defensive versatility. In a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers acquired the No. 36 overall pick in exchange for the No. 45 selection and an undisclosed amount of cash considerations. With that newly acquired pick, the Lakers selected Arkansas guard Adou Thiero, a high-flying, high-upside talent known for his explosive athleticism and two-way potential.

Thiero, who made national headlines during his breakout season with the Arkansas Razorbacks, averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting an efficient 55 percent from the field. His combination of size, length, and defensive prowess immediately caught the attention of NBA scouts, and now he finds himself headed to one of the most storied franchises in basketball.

The move reflects the Lakers’ ongoing strategy to inject youth and athleticism into the roster, especially after a disappointing playoff exit earlier this year. General Manager Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office identified Thiero as one of their top targets leading up to the draft, viewing him as an immediate contributor with long-term upside.

For Thiero, the selection caps off a remarkable rise through the collegiate ranks. After transferring to Arkansas, Thiero transformed his game, developing into one of the SEC’s most complete guards. His ability to guard multiple positions, coupled with a relentless motor and highlight-reel dunks, made him a fan favorite in Fayetteville and a prospect coveted by multiple NBA teams.

His impressive stat line only tells part of the story. At 6-foot-6 with a wingspan nearing seven feet, Thiero brings elite defensive potential to the perimeter. His versatility allows him to defend point guards, shooting guards, and even small forwards, traits that are highly valued in today’s positionless NBA.

Offensively, Thiero showed major improvements as a shot-creator and finisher. His 55 percent shooting percentage is a testament to his efficient scoring around the basket, mid-range consistency, and opportunistic fast-break finishes. Though not yet an elite three-point shooter, Thiero showed flashes of perimeter scoring that have NBA teams optimistic about his continued development.

For the Lakers, adding Thiero is more than just acquiring a young guard — it’s about building a foundation for sustainable success beyond their current veteran core. With the futures of stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis constantly under the microscope, Los Angeles has emphasized the need to bring in young, NBA-ready contributors who can learn under the team’s championship expectations while preparing for bigger roles down the line.

Pelinka emphasized in his post-draft remarks that Thiero’s work ethic, defensive intensity, and team-first mentality made him a perfect fit for the Lakers’ culture.

“We saw a player in Adou Thiero that embodies the kind of grit, athleticism, and defensive edge we want here in Los Angeles,” Pelinka said. “He’s not just a highlight machine — he’s someone who embraces the dirty work, who competes on every possession, and who’s only scratching the surface of his potential.”

Thiero’s pathway to this moment has been unconventional. Coming out of high school, he was viewed as a raw prospect with intriguing physical tools but lacked the polish to be considered a surefire NBA talent. His decision to transfer to Arkansas proved pivotal. Under Razorbacks head coach Eric Musselman, Thiero flourished, refining his mechanics, improving his court awareness, and emerging as one of the conference’s most impactful players on both ends of the floor.

His defensive metrics at Arkansas are particularly noteworthy. Thiero consistently ranked among the SEC leaders in defensive win shares and was frequently tasked with guarding opposing teams’ best perimeter scorers. His combination of lateral quickness, anticipation, and leaping ability made him a nightmare for ball-handlers and an asset in transition defense.

Offensively, his role expanded as the season progressed. Initially relied upon as a slasher and energy player, Thiero gradually became a primary scoring option for the Razorbacks, showcasing his ability to create off the dribble, finish through contact, and operate in pick-and-roll scenarios.

The Lakers’ decision to trade up for Thiero also reflects broader league trends. In an NBA increasingly valuing switchable defenders and players who can contribute without monopolizing the ball, Thiero fits the mold perfectly. His ability to play alongside star ball-handlers like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, while providing energy, defense, and transition scoring, makes him a seamless addition to the rotation.

While some draft analysts believed Thiero could slide into the late first round, his selection at No. 36 represents solid value for the Lakers, who recognized an opportunity to pounce before other suitors could make their move.

Minnesota, for its part, opted to trade back in the draft to No. 45 and secure additional financial flexibility through cash considerations. The Timberwolves, with an already deep roster, likely saw limited space for an additional young guard, making the trade a mutually beneficial arrangement.

As for Thiero, the rookie enters the Lakers’ system with clear expectations. The front office and coaching staff see him as someone capable of contributing immediately in spot minutes, particularly as a defensive specialist, while continuing to develop his offensive game.

The NBA Summer League will serve as Thiero’s first opportunity to showcase his skill set to Lakers fans and the broader basketball world. Given his athletic profile and highlight-worthy plays at Arkansas, anticipation is already building around his Summer League debut, where he’s expected to feature prominently.

If his collegiate trajectory is any indication, Thiero is prepared to embrace the moment.

“I’ve always had to prove myself,” Thiero said after being selected. “Coming to Arkansas, people didn’t expect much from me, but I worked, I stayed humble, and I stayed hungry. I’m going to bring that same mentality to the Lakers. I’m ready to learn, to defend, and to do whatever the team needs.”

The Lakers’ investment in Thiero aligns with their broader vision of blending experienced superstars with promising, high-upside talent. As the team looks to remain competitive in the Western Conference and contend for championships, players like Thiero offer both immediate depth and long-term potential.

While expectations will be high, Thiero’s track record of defying the odds and elevating his game suggests he could be one of the steals of the 2025 NBA Draft. With his high motor, defensive instincts, and athleticism, Thiero joins the ranks of Lakers rookies determined to make an impact in one of the league’s most demanding markets.

For Lakers fans hungry for youth, energy, and defensive grit, Adou Thiero’s arrival might be exactly what the team needs as they enter the next chapter of their storied legacy.