Puka Nacua’s brother arrested for allegedly stealing Lakers rookie’s SUV

Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Puka Nacua’s brother arrested for allegedly stealing Lakers rookie’s SUV

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | By James Parker | Last updated Dec 18, 2025 12:50 PM ET

Samson Nacua, brother of Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, was one of two people arrested over the weekend for allegedly taking L.A. Lakers rookie Adou Thiero’s SUV without his permission, the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department told NBC Los Angeles.

Police reportedly arrested Nacua and an accomplice after tracking Thiero’s car to the One Hotel in West Hollywood.

Puka Nacua’s brother, Samson Nacua, has been arrested after allegedly stealing Los Angeles Lakers rookie Adou Thiero’s SUV, per @NBCLA

“Two men, including the brother of Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, were arrested over the weekend after allegedly taking Los Angeles Lakers… pic.twitter.com/ua8yOHRKZb

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 18, 2025

While the exact details of the incident have not been released, deputies say Nacua entered the hotel alongside 27-year-old Trey Rose after valeting the car. After identifying both of them through security footage, police took them into custody.

After going undrafted in 2022, Nacua signed with the Indianapolis Colts, but didn’t make the final roster. He has since had stints with the UFL’s Michigan Panthers and the USFL’s Pittsburgh Maulers.

While his younger brother Puka has yet to release a statement on the subject, a crazy week for the Nacua family just got a little more confusing.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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