NBA trade news: Los Angeles Lakers climb from No. 55 to No. 36 pick and land Adou Thiero in deal tied to Brooklyn Nets and Minnesota Timberwolves | NBA News
The Lakers turned a quiet night into a strategic win, making a double jump up the draft ladder to grab a name not many had linked to them. But the fit? Impeccable. Adou Thiero isn’t your average second-rounder—he’s 6-foot-8 with a seven-foot wingspan, elite motor, and serious upside. If he clicks, this gamble could become gold.
Los Angeles Lakers ’ draft-night hustle pays off as Adou Thiero comes home with No. 36 pick
On draft night, the Lakers were sitting on the No. 55 pick. Wanting to grab a specific player, general manager Rob Pelinka sent that pick and about $2.5 million in cash to the Chicago Bulls, which allowed them to snag pick No. 45. However, the Lakers had more plans—they traded No. 45 (along with some cash) to the Minnesota Timberwolves for pick No. 36, which the Timberwolves had received from the Brooklyn Nets.The Lakers went all in—utilizing their draft assets and financial flexibility—to demonstrate their dedication to acquiring a “super-athletic wing.” League scouts have drawn parallels between Thiero’s rebounding, defensive skills, and rim finishing to established two-way talents like OG Anunoby.At 6-foot-8 and 220 pounds, Thiero has a 7-foot wingspan and some serious athletic skills. During his junior year at Arkansas, he put up averages of 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, with a shooting percentage of 54.5%, aiding the Razorbacks in making it to the NCAA Sweet 16. On the defensive end, he’s adaptable, capable of forcing turnovers and protecting the basket.The Lakers in Los Angeles were looking to strengthen their wing defense and athleticism—especially following the selection of center Ryan Kalkbrenner at No. 34. Instead of opting for another center, they decided to go with Thiero, considering him a long-term investment who can evolve on both ends of the floor. His strengths are in finishing and defense, but shooting is where he needs to improve (25.6–28.4% from three-point range in college).Coach JJ Redick and his team called the pick a “brilliant second-round choice,” relying on Thiero’s intangibles—his energy, work ethic, and height—to make an instant impact on the lineups. If he can enhance his jump shot, he might evolve into a key two-way player, possibly fitting in alongside important veterans.Los Angeles sees Thiero taking on the wing—going up against top scorers, bringing versatility, and excelling in fast breaks. He’ll probably start off on the second unit, giving a defensive boost and showcasing his athleticism. If he hones his outside shooting, he could secure a spot in the rotation in a couple of years.Also Read: Danny Wolf makes NBA leap with Brooklyn Nets while Jake Wolf’s heartfelt reaction captures millions onlineBy moving up in the draft twice and spending some picks and cash, the Lakers really put their faith in Adou Thiero’s talent. He does need to work on his outside shooting, but with averages of 15.1 PPG, 5.8 RPG, and his impressive athleticism and defensive instincts shown at Arkansas, he’s definitely an intriguing player. If he grows into his potential, L.A.’s pick at No. 36 might just become a valuable contributor for years to come.
