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The Los Angeles Lakers agreed to two separate trades, using cash in both deals to move up from No. 55 all the way to No. 36 in the 2025 NBA Draft. They wound up landing former Kentucky Wildcats and Arkansas Razorbacks forward Adou Thiero.
The four-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class continued to improve in each of his three seasons at the collegiate level. He met with the media for the first time as a Laker, discussing the roster and his role, in comments shared by Mike Trudell.
"It feels good, dream come true, just happy to be here," Los Angeles Lakers forward Adou Thiero stated Thursday. "Playing for the Lakers too, that’s a blessing for sure."
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"LeBron?! …," Thiero added. "It’s going to fun learning from everybody, but you got LeBron, Luka, AR … I’m just ready to get with the guys and work."
"Whatever Coach JJ needs me to do, I’m ready to go out there and do it. 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."
Thiero had a breakout season in his final year of college basketball. He averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.7 blocks in 27.5 minutes per game while shooting 54.5% from the field.
It is unclear what role he will play to begin the season, however, his defensive upside gives him a real opportunity to earn solid playing time alongside Luka Dončić and LeBron James. If Thiero is able to improve his outside shooting, which remains a work in progress, he could carve out a significant role with the Lakers.
More NBA: Lakers draft pick Adou Thiero draws comparison to Olympic gold medalist
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