Adou Thiero Selected 36th Overall by Lakers: From Kentucky Roots to Arkansas Breakout, Now Hollywood Awaits
The bright lights of Los Angeles just got a little brighter — and a lot tougher.
With the 36th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers selected Adou Thiero, a versatile, athletic forward whose journey from Kentucky to Arkansas showcased both resilience and rapid development.
The selection is seen as both a reward for Thiero’s growth and a smart gamble by a Lakers franchise looking to inject youth, defensive intensity, and versatility into their roster.
A Wildcat Foundation and a Razorback Breakthrough
Thiero began his collegiate career under the legendary John Calipari at the University of Kentucky, where he spent two seasons refining his game. Though his role was limited, those years proved to be a crucial learning experience. Thiero’s size, motor, and defensive instincts were evident, but he needed a bigger stage to fully showcase his potential.
That stage arrived when Thiero transferred to Arkansas for his final season — a move that would redefine his trajectory.
In his lone campaign with the Razorbacks, Thiero delivered:
✅ 15.1 points per game
✅ 5.8 rebounds per game
✅ 1.6 steals per game
✅ An impressive 54.5% shooting from the field
His efficiency, defensive versatility, and ability to contribute across multiple positions caught the attention of NBA scouts, steadily boosting his draft stock throughout the season.
Why the Lakers Made the Move
For the Lakers, who remain in championship-chase mode while balancing an aging core, Thiero represents exactly the type of prospect they covet — athletic, tough, defensive-minded, and coachable.
His 6-foot-8 frame and two-way skill set fit the mold of modern NBA wings, capable of switching defensively, rebounding, and running the floor in transition. The Lakers see Thiero as a player who can develop under the tutelage of veterans like LeBron James — should he remain with the team — while providing valuable minutes off the bench.
Team sources emphasized Thiero’s:
✅ Defensive upside and positional versatility
✅ Strong work ethic and basketball IQ
✅ Physical tools to guard multiple positions
✅ Improved finishing and decision-making at Arkansas
Thiero’s Mindset: Ready for the Challenge
Known for his quiet confidence and tireless work ethic, Thiero isn’t fazed by the challenge of joining a storied franchise like the Lakers.
“It’s a dream come true to hear my name called — but the real work starts now,” Thiero said following his selection. “I’ve always embraced being the underdog. I’m ready to earn my place and help this team win.”
A Draft Pick with Pedigree
Thiero isn’t just any draft pick — basketball runs in his veins. His father, Al Thiero, played college basketball, and Adou’s upbringing has been steeped in the sport’s culture of discipline and development. That background, combined with his steady progression from Kentucky to Arkansas, signals a player who’s only scratching the surface of his potential.
Final Word: A Calculated Gamble for the Lakers, a Golden Opportunity for Thiero
The Lakers’ selection of Adou Thiero at No. 36 may not have made the loudest headlines on draft night, but it could prove to be one of the more underrated moves of the evening.
For Los Angeles, it’s a low-risk, high-upside investment in a player with defensive versatility and untapped offensive tools.
For Thiero, it’s the ultimate platform — the chance to prove he belongs under the brightest lights in basketball.
And for fans in Kentucky, Arkansas, and now Los Angeles, it’s the start of a new chapter in an already fascinating basketball journey.
