Feb 15, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Adou Thiero (3) drives against Texas A&M Aggies guard Wade Taylor IV (4) during the first half at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Adou Thiero Reacts to Being Drafted by LA

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Ryan Stano | Last updated Jun 28, 2025 6:00 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers made a decision to trade up in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft to take Arkansas forward Adou Theiro. They moved up almost 20 spots in order to get him.

In executing the trade, the Lakers put themselves in the second apron because they sent cash in the deal to the Bulls. It was a puzzling trade in the moment.

Yet, they seemed to have made the move because they were targeting Theiro. He became the first draft pick of the Lakers during the 2025 NBA Draft.

Theiro was happy that the Lakers went up and got him in the draft. In his first message since being drafted by the Lakers, he was very grateful to be drafted by Los Angeles.

Welcome to #LakerNation, Adou!
️ “It’s a blessing… just to join a great organization like the Lakers ... I can’t even put it in words.” - Our Access SportsNet panel talks 1-on-1 with Adou Thiero after the Lakers selected him 36th overall. pic.twitter.com/OQCznHH7YW
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) June 27, 2025

"It's a blessing. I'm just grateful hear my name called at the end of the day. But just to join a great organization like the Lakers...I can't even put into words."

Thiero is clearly very pleased to be headed to Los Angeles. He is headed to an organization that has championship aspirations next season and for the next couple of seasons.

The next step for Thiero is to play well in Summer League and try to make the team. There's a good chance he starts his career in the G-League, which would probably be best for his development, anyway.

Los Angeles is hopeful that they got a good player for Thiero. They are hoping he can be a good perimeter defender, just as he was in college.

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The Lakers are more in win-now mode, so they won't have a lot of young guys who crack the rotation this season. They are going to have more veterans on the roster to help them win a title.

Of course, the Lakers still need to get a center this summer. That will likely happen in some sort of trade since they are now in the second apron after trading up to draft Thiero.

Last year with the Razorbacks, Thiero averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.

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This article first appeared on FanNation All Lakers and was syndicated with permission.

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