The Los Angeles Lakers made the bold decision to trade up almost 20 spots in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft. The trade up to 36 netted them Adou Thiero, a forward from Arkansas.

The LA Lakers have selected Adou Thiero with the No. 36 pick in the 2025 NBA draft. The pick was acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a draft night trade.

Thiero is one of the most athletic players in this year's draft class and is an outstanding finisher who attacks the basket strongly. He is a poor outside shooter and needs to refine his defense, but he could have the potential to become a legitimate rotation player or even a starter down the road.