BREAKING: Lakers Acquire Draft Rights to No. 36 Pick Adou Thiero in Pending Trade Agreement

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to make waves during the 2025 NBA Draft season, with news breaking that the franchise has agreed in principle to acquire the draft rights to Adou Thiero, the 36th overall pick, in a trade that is expected to be finalized in the coming days. The acquisition marks yet another strategic maneuver by the Lakers front office as they seek to infuse youth, athleticism, and defensive versatility into a veteran-heavy roster.

Adou Thiero, a dynamic 6-foot-8 forward from the University of Kentucky, is regarded as one of the most intriguing upside prospects in this year’s draft class. While details of the trade have yet to be officially disclosed, multiple sources confirm that the Lakers are parting with future second-round draft compensation and minor assets in order to secure Thiero’s rights from the team that originally selected him—believed to be the Indiana Pacers, though that aspect of the deal remains unconfirmed.

For the Lakers, this acquisition represents a move with both short-term potential and long-term payoff. Thiero is viewed as a developmental player with high defensive instincts, athletic upside, and the kind of versatility that fits the modern NBA’s positionless trends. He now joins a Lakers roster in transition—where the blend of veteran championship experience and emerging young talent is becoming increasingly central to the team’s identity.

Adou Thiero arrived at Kentucky as a lightly recruited 3-star prospect, but by the end of his collegiate career, he had evolved into one of the program’s most indispensable contributors. Known for his defensive prowess, relentless motor, and emerging offensive game, Thiero made a name for himself in the SEC as a glue guy capable of guarding four positions and impacting the game even without the ball in his hands.

During his junior year, Thiero averaged 11.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.6% from the floor and 34% from three. His improvements from deep and increased confidence as a slasher gave scouts something to think about, but it was his defense—particularly his ability to switch on screens, protect the rim, and rebound in traffic—that propelled him into early second-round consideration.

Thiero’s game is reminiscent of versatile defensive wings like Herbert Jones or Jarred Vanderbilt, and his development into a reliable two-way contributor is considered highly achievable given his work ethic and steep upward trajectory.

For the Lakers, acquiring Adou Thiero fits squarely into a larger organizational strategy that’s been taking shape since the conclusion of the 2024–25 season. The team is looking to get younger, more athletic, and defensively focused, especially on the wings. The Western Conference has become increasingly dominated by versatile forwards—players who can defend multiple positions, switch in pick-and-rolls, and disrupt passing lanes with length and mobility.

Thiero checks all of those boxes.

He is not expected to step into a high-usage role right away, but with the Lakers’ current rotation thin at the forward position outside of LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt, there will be opportunities. Should Thiero show growth in his shooting and play recognition, he could earn minutes during the regular season, especially under a head coach like JJ Redick who values effort and versatility on the defensive end.

Additionally, Thiero’s profile aligns well with what the Lakers have recently prioritized in their draft strategy: high-motor, switchable defenders who bring positional flexibility. He follows in the footsteps of Max Christie and Jalen Hood-Schifino, with the added advantage of being one of the few players in the draft already comfortable playing a role without the ball.

Given the structure of his acquisition, Thiero will likely start his professional career on a two-way deal or under a partially guaranteed rookie contract. The Lakers can utilize their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, to give him consistent minutes and continue honing his offensive game, especially his catch-and-shoot efficiency and ball-handling in transition.

His ceiling is high. At 6’8″ with a nearly 7’2″ wingspan and excellent lateral quickness, Thiero has all the physical tools to become a top-tier perimeter defender in the NBA. Offensively, he’s shown flashes as a cutter, rebounder, and opportunistic scorer.

Much of his future success will hinge on how quickly he can adapt to the pace and physicality of the NBA, as well as whether he can become a reliable shooter from the corners and above the break—an increasingly vital skill for role-playing wings in today’s game.

The reaction to the Lakers acquiring Thiero has been positive, with many praising the team’s patience and long-term vision. ESPN’s Mike Schmitz called the move “an under-the-radar steal,” citing Thiero’s elite measurables and defensive instincts.

Veteran NBA scout Marcus Dixon added:

“He’s not the guy who will wow you in a workout, but give him 10 minutes in a real game, and you’ll see his impact. He defends. He rebounds. He runs the floor. That’s gold in today’s league.”

Lakers fans on social media, long clamoring for youth and athleticism, expressed excitement about Thiero’s potential. Hashtags like #ThieroTime and #LakeShowDefense began trending as the news broke.

Thiero will likely compete for one of the final roster spots during training camp and Summer League. Depending on how the Lakers manage their cap and roster flexibility, they could slide Thiero into a development-focused role early in the season before ramping him up into meaningful minutes later on.

His presence could also influence the team’s decisions on other young forwards or fringe players. If Thiero shows promise, it may lessen the urgency to pursue pricier veteran depth pieces in free agency or force the hand in trading away overlapping talent to clear room for developmental minutes.

As the Lakers continue to retool around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, moves like this serve as a reminder that championships aren’t only won through max contracts and superstars. They’re often won in the margins—with versatile, energetic, high-IQ role players who can swing playoff games with hustle plays, defensive stops, and timely buckets.

Adou Thiero might not be a household name—yet—but his story, skill set, and potential make him a compelling addition to the Lakers’ evolving roster.

In a draft largely dominated by speculation around lottery picks and immediate impact players, the Lakers appear to have secured a player who brings both immediate defensive utility and long-term developmental value. If he blossoms in the NBA the same way he did at Kentucky, this trade might be remembered as one of the savviest moves of the 2025 draft cycle.

And for a team always chasing banners, every smart acquisition counts.