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Lakers trade up to draft Klutch Sports client

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Darryn Albert | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 10:49 PM ET

Rich Paul and Klutch Sports continue to maintain their stronghold in Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Lakers traded up to the No. 36 overall pick in Thursday’s second round of the NBA Draft. The selection originally belonged to the Phoenix Suns (via Brooklyn), who traded it to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for the No. 31 overall pick. Then the Lakers sent the No. 45 overall pick and cash to the Timberwolves in exchange for No. 36.

With the No. 36 pick, the Lakers selected former Arkansas forward Adou Thiero. The 21-year-old Thiero is notably represented by Klutch Sports.

Thiero is a nice energy player who averaged 15.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game last season for Arkansas. While he is relatively undersized at 6-foot-8, he has the tools (especially defensively) to become an impact player in the NBA. Thiero was even projected by some to be a first-round pick.

But when it comes to Theiro landing in Los Angeles, his representation probably helped matters there. Klutch already represents several players on the Lakers, most prominently LeBron James (along with Bronny James and Jarred Vanderbilt). Other former Lakers such as Anthony Davis, Cam Reddish, and Talen Horton-Tucker have been clients of Klutch as well.

Theiro is formally represented by Lucas Newton of Klutch. But Thiero was seen embracing with the Klutch founder Paul after being drafted, and he now adds to the lengthy list of Lakers players who are under the Klutch umbrella.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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