The Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason has been highlighted by Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and their newest additions. Not much has been discussed on the other aspects of their roster, specifically their latest draft pick from Arkansas, Adou Thiero.
Speaking with Spectrum SportsNet this summer, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka compared Thiero to OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks, a $212 million All-Defensive wing and former NBA champion.
“Obviously, OG is an incredible player that’s done so much in the league. I don’t want to put pressure on anyone to become someone else, but that archetype is definitely it,” Pelinka said on Thiero. He’s got the 6’7″ frame, he’s incredibly explosive, I think he’s a developing shooter, he’s a lob catcher. I think on the other side of the ball, he’s gonna be an elite defender. He has all the tools there.”
The Lakers traded up to draft Thiero with the 36th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. He averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.6 steals on 54.5% shooting for the Razorbacks last season.
Adou Theiro Praised On Multiple Fronts
Pelinka went further than just comparing Theiro to one of the league’s top wing defenders, praising the 21-year-old for his character.
“JJ Redick and I actually hosted him in our building a couple weeks ago, took him to lunch and really got to know his character,” Pelinka added. “That’s such an important part of the equation and he’s a great young man and hungry to get better and learn and grow and we feel like we have a great player development staff here. Super excited about all that.”
Now playing for the Lakers, Thiero is no stranger to the bright lights. He played his first two collegiate seasons for John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats, and then followed his head coach to Arkansas for his final season last year.
“If you watch the NBA Playoffs, it is so rough you better be built like Adou Thiero,” Calipari said before the 2025 NBA Draft. “If you’re not and you’re a younger player, you’re not playing in these playoffs. He is physically ready right now and athletically, hits his head on the rim right now. He’s got to heal, but I think he’s in pretty good shape.”
“Adou can play in a physical game and athletically be in the top 1%. He’s somebody if you pass on, they’ll look back and say “How many people passed on him?” he’s that good and a good kid from Pittsburgh.”
ESPN gave the Lakers a ‘B+‘ for taking Thiero in the draft. He didn’t play in Summer League due to a knee injury, but has been making ‘good progress‘ during his subsequent recovery.
Lakers Need Defensive Help
Though the comparison between Thiero and Anunoby has yet to play out, Calipari’s comments on his defense are a good sign for the Lakers, especially when the playoffs come around.
Los Angeles ranked 12th in defensive rating out of 16 postseason teams, and they were dominated on that side of the floor in their first-round series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
They did add Marcus Smart for the perimeter and Deandre Ayton for rim protection in hopes of elevating their defense, but both have yet to perform at a high level over the past few years.
Thiero, however, comes in with youth and athleticism, with a 6’8” frame, and the ability to guard multiple positions on the court. With Doncic, James, and Austin Reaves not known for their defensive capabilities, Thiero could slide in and get strong minutes as a rookie if he proves valuable on that side of the floor.
Since Anthony Davis was moved out in the Doncic trade, the Lakers’ biggest hole in their roster has been defense. Pelinka, Redick, and Calipari all believe the potential is there, and if so, Thiero could come in as someone to slow down the top players in the NBA.
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