After a dormant first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, the Lakers were active Thursday, moving up twice to take one of the most athletic prospects in this year’s class.
Lakers Stunning Strategy Pays Off in 2025 NBA Draft
Lakers Trade Up and Draft Adou Thiero
Originally armed with the 55th pick, the Lakers made an intriguing choice to trade up ten spots, and then trade up again, ultimately landing the 36th pick from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Initially hoping to land Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner (taken 34th by Charlotte), they ended up with a worthy consolation prize: Arkansas forward Adou Thiero.
An explosive, defensive-minded big, Thiero is coming off a career year for head coach Jon Calipari. In 27 games, he put up 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.6 steals on .545/.256/.686 splits.
Scouting reports highlighted Thiero’s agility and energy on both ends, with ESPN’s Jonathan Givony calling him a “mismatch forward.” He’s a standout finisher and versatile defender who completes highlight plays. Though he’s not much of a shooter, the junior could help the Lakers with his interior presence.
“Has the physical tools. Downhill attacker who can slash and finish above the rim, jump shot has to improve but showed improvement over the past year. Has the potential to defend both wings…Can get deflections and steals with his length,” one NBA college scout says on Thiero.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) June 27, 2025
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As great as Thiero’s selection is, it also ends Coach Cal’s 17-year streak of Razorbacks drafted in the first round.
Grade: A
Thiero’s Reaction to Joining the Lakers
In a post-draft interview, Thiero called joining the purple and gold a “dream come true,” expressing his willingness to learn from his new teammates and get to work.
“Whatever Coach JJ needs me to do, I’m ready to go out there and do it,” he added. “Just put me on the floor, I got you. I’m gonna go out there and do all the little things. Whatever needs to be done will be done.”
LA Adds Wing Depth Amid Concerning Update
The Lakers’ addition up front couldn’t have come at a better time, as Dorian Finney-Smith’s future is up in the air. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the veteran wing’s free agency is a key concern for LA, especially considering the $15 million player option he must decide on by the end of June.
Thiero isn’t a lock to immediately join Redick’s rotation, but it’s encouraging to see the Lakers draft a young and hungry forward who can bring some tenacity to the bench.
Undrafted Free Agent Signings
Just as they’ve done in years past, the Lakers turned to the undrafted prospect pool. Immediately after the draft, they signed Villanova forward Eric Dixon, the NCAA’s scoring leader, to a two-way contract. The fifth-year Dixon put up 23.3 points per game on .451/.407/.813 splits. They also inked three players to Exhibit 10 contracts: UNC guard RJ Davis, St. Mary’s guard Augustas Marčiulionis, and Texas forward Arthur Kaluma.
Grade: A-
Up Next: NBA Summer League
Fans will get to see these players and more during NBA Summer League. LA will start off with the California Classic, from July 5-8, in San Francisco. That will be followed by NBA 2K26 Summer League from July 10-20.
The opening act in Vegas? Lakers vs. Mavericks.
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