Grading the Newest Lakers Draft Pick Adou Thiero
Tonight, the Lakers inducted the newest player into the history of one of the greatest organizations in sports by selecting Adou Thiero.
ADOU THIERO IS A LOS ANGELES LAKER 😈 pic.twitter.com/IlsTFNeK9C
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) June 27, 2025
Earlier in the day, Los Angeles was able to trade up from their original 55th pick to the 45th pick by trading their original pick and cash considerations. They then went on to shock the ESPN broadcast by trading live for the 36th pick, using their newly acquired 45th pick and additional cash.
Many thought the team would target a big, but the Lakers had other ideas. Let’s get to know the newest member of the Purple and Gold.
Who is Adou Thiero?
At 6’6 218 lbs with a max vertical of 41 inches, Thiero is an athletic freak. After playing at Kentucky to start his career, he then followed John Calipari to Arkansas. Thiero certainly left a mark on the SEC.
In this last season for the Razorbacks, he averaged 15.1 PPG, 5.8 RPG, and 1.6 SPG on 54% from the field. In transition, Adou Thiero will be a menace for the Lakers. He put up 1.259 PPP (96th percentile) on transition attempts. Many of those attempts are absolute rim rockers.
Defensively, Thiero has some very nice tools on the defensive end. He has good instincts in passing lanes and uses his athleticism to his advantage. He forces turnovers at an 8.5% rate using his 7’0 wingspan.
To be truthful, Thiero is an upside pick. While yes, he runs the floor well, can finish around the rim, and has solid defensive skills, he lacks tremendously on offense. This past season, he shot just 25% from three-point range, with many of his attempts being uncontested.
His poor shooting doesn’t just lie beyond the arc. Thiero struggles from the line as well and really has no midrange game to be found. His athletic abilities are enough to supplement his flaws at times, but at just 6’6, it will be tough to translate that to the NBA.
Grade: C+
With a few solid centers on the board, it was interesting to see LA go this high for a wing. Regardless, you can see the fit.
With Thiero being compared to players like Obi Toppin and ex-Luka Doncic teammate Derrick Jones Jr., the vision begins to come into place. Running the wing in transition next to Luka could become a dangerous sight for the league.
Regardless, he will not be able to stick in a regular rotation if he doesn’t develop his three-ball. The only way he could do it without a jumper is if he develops into a next-level defender ala Jarred Vanderbilt. He does seem to be a better finisher than Vando, so you never know.
What we do know is that Adou Thiero will bring highlight plays to Crypto.com Arena.
