The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2025 NBA Draft without a first-round pick, but by the end of the night, the front office felt it had secured first-round value.
After trading up to select Adou Thiero with the No. 36 overall pick, the Lakers made it clear they viewed the Arkansas forward as more than a typical second-round prospect. General manager Rob Pelinka explained shortly after the draft that the scouting department graded Thiero as a top-tier talent, particularly given the team’s long-term direction.
Pelinka emphasized the importance of getting younger, more athletic, and more physical on the wing, traits that made Thiero an ideal fit alongside Luka Dončić.
“Being able to get a player like Adou, who can catch lobs from the corner when Luka is making paint decisions, is going to be really special,” Pelinka said.
“He’s big, physical, plays defense, and adds athleticism to our roster.”
A Delayed Start to His Rookie Season
Thiero’s transition to the NBA did not begin smoothly.
The rookie was still recovering from a knee injury suffered during his final season at Arkansas, which forced him to miss Summer League, training camp, and the entire preseason. He was not medically cleared until mid-November.
His NBA debut finally came on November 15, in a Lakers win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Thiero scored his first career points that night — a moment that became even more memorable thanks to Dončić.
“At first, I didn’t know they were getting the ball for me,” Thiero told ClutchPoints in an exclusive interview.
“I thought Luka had done something, some Luka magic. I thought he was just getting the game ball for himself.”
Instead, Dončić handed the ball directly to the rookie.
“Getting my first NBA game ball from Luka Dončić — that’s not something a lot of rookies experience,” Thiero said.
“That was a great feeling.”
G League Reps with South Bay
While Thiero has appeared in a handful of games with the Lakers, the organization has also prioritized his development through the South Bay Lakers, the team’s G League affiliate.
The Lakers used a similar approach with Bronny James last season, allowing him to gain confidence and rhythm through consistent reps. Thiero made his G League debut on November 21, immediately standing out.
In that first game, he posted:
- 19 points
- 4 rebounds
- 3 steals
He looked like the best player on the floor.
South Bay has also allowed Thiero to expand his offensive responsibilities. Though naturally a wing, he has shown ball-handling and playmaking ability, including a four-assist performance in just his second G League game — second on the team behind only Bronny James.
“I used to play point guard my whole life, so I still have those tendencies,” Thiero explained.
“It’s about knowing when the defense collapses and getting the ball to the open guy.”
Thiero has already appeared in three games with South Bay, and he’s quickly learned how competitive the G League environment can be.
“Everybody’s trying to prove something,” he said.
“You’ve got to bring it every game, because everyone else is doing the same.”
Showing Flashes with the Lakers
Injuries across the Lakers roster opened the door for Thiero to be recalled during the team’s early-December road trip. His most notable moment came in the December 4 win over the Toronto Raptors.
In just 10 minutes, Thiero recorded:
- 4 points
- 1 rebound
- 1 assist
- 1 steal
While the stat line was modest, his athleticism, defensive intensity, and energy stood out — exactly what head coach JJ Redick has been preaching since taking over.
Redick often refers to a “Banshee mentality”: relentless effort, physical defense, and full commitment on every possession. Thiero immediately saw himself in that description.
“When he said that, I felt like it already described me,” Thiero said.
“Every time I step on the floor, I give 100 percent and do the little things that help the team win.”
Another Setback, But Long-Term Belief Remains
Recently, Thiero was diagnosed with a right MCL sprain, sidelining him for at least four weeks. The injury comes at an unfortunate time, especially as the Lakers search for energy and defensive consistency.
Still, within the organization, expectations remain steady. For a veteran roster trying to compete now, this season was always going to be developmental for Thiero, particularly coming off injury.
The Lakers are expected to proceed cautiously, confident that his opportunity will come.
A Project with a Clear Identity
Adou Thiero’s rookie season hasn’t followed a straight path, but the pieces are clear: size, athleticism, defense, and effort. Whether with the Lakers or South Bay, he’s focused on refining his game and earning trust.
For a team searching for youthful energy and long-term answers on the wing, Thiero remains very much part of the plan.
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