LA Lakers Rookie Watch - Adou Thiero

The LA Lakers entered the 2025 NBA Draft extremely thin at the center position. Rather than using their second-round pick on one of a few “project” big men, the Lakers traded the 45th pick and cash to the Brooklyn Nets for the 36th pick, which ended up being Arkansas junior Adou Thiero, a 6’8”, 220 lbs. combo forward.

Yes, Thiero possesses highlight-worthy athleticism and defensive abilities that could get him minutes on a number of NBA teams, but the Lakers already have LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, and Dalton Knecht manning the forward spots. If the 21-year-old has any hopes of seeing time at Crypto.com Arena or any other NBA court, it will likely come during lopsided late-game affairs. 

After struggling to find playing time with the Kentucky Wildcats as a freshman, Thiero jumped into the starting lineup as a sophomore, sought a bigger role as a junior, and wound up transferring to play for the Razorbacks. Averaging 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals, Thiero’s presence was felt more on the defensive end of the court.

Unfortunately for Thiero and the Lakers, a left knee injury suffered late in his final college season held him out of the team’s entire Summer League schedule. 

It has been reported that the rookie hopeful should be ready for training camp, where he will have to make a positive impression in a short amount of time. As usual with the Lakers, there have been trade talks involving one or two of their wings, possibly opening up a spot in the logjam at the forward position. If Thiero can display some of the athleticism and physical play that enticed the team to move up in the Draft, he may be able to secure himself a spot deep on the bench. Armed with a 3-year/$5.95 million deal (two years guaranteed), it seems more than likely that the Lakers will send Thiero to South Bay as much as possible to work on his game, including his three-point shooting, of which he hit only 28% during his college career.

While earning a roster spot on the Lakers (or any NBA team, for that matter) is an accomplishment in itself, the Lakers already have two developmental players on their roster in Knecht and Bronny James, struggling to find floor time. For a team that is always of a championship mindset, using up a third roster spot for another player to sit on the bench is not in their best interest.