In his first remarks as a Laker, Adou Thiero discusses his relationship with Lebron James in detail.

Being a Laker makes Adou Thiero happy, and he is excited to play with LeBron James.
Adou Thiero of Arkansas was chosen 36th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers, who had only one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and had already traded up several times. Thiero considers himself fortunate to be a Laker and to be able to play for what is perhaps the NBA’s most recognisable team. Thiero remarked, “It feels good, dream come true, just happy to be here.” “Being able to play for the Lakers is definitely a blessing.”
In the Anthony Davis deal, the Lakers lost their first-round pick to the New Orleans Pelicans, therefore they didn’t have one this year. To choose Thiero, they first traded up to 45 and then to 36, but their first and only pick was at 55. In both transactions, the Lakers just had to forfeit the selection and financial considerations.
After an outstanding junior season at Arkansas, Thiero joins the Lakers. For the Razorbacks in 2024–25, the 21-year-old averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game. Thiero can attack the basket and possesses the physical attributes required to be a successful defender in the NBA, despite his poor shooting percentage of 25.6% from three last season. He can be an excellent 3-and-D wing if he can work on his outside shot, and the Lakers could definitely use another one. This is what an NBA scout thought about Thiero.
“Has the physical tools,” the scout concluded. “A downward attacker with the ability to cut and finish above the rim, their jump shot needs work but has improved in the last 12 months.” possesses the capacity to protect both wings… Because of his length, he can steal and deflect. The Lakers’ first-round loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2025 playoffs was partly caused by their defensive woes. Time will tell if Thiero can meet their second need, which was to acquire a wing defender and a big player who could anchor the defence.
Regarding the Lakers’ current roster, Thiero says he’s excited to play with players like Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic, and LeBron James.

“LeBron?!” “I said,” Thiero said. “Learning from everyone will be enjoyable, but you have LeBron, Luka, and AR. All I want to do is get to work with the boys. James will be an excellent role model for Thiero. He can learn a lot from the 21-time All-Star, and if he listens carefully, it will undoubtedly improve his chances of having a lengthy and fruitful career. Given that he made it apparent that he is prepared to comply with any request, Thiero seems to be entering the building with the proper attitude.
“I’m prepared to go out there and do whatever Coach JJ [Redick] asks me to do,” Thiero said. “I got you, just put me on the floor. I’m going to go out there and take care of everything. We’ll do whatever has to be done. When the playoffs rolled around this year, JJ Redick essentially took Dalton Knecht out of the rotation. Therefore, if Thiero wants to gain the full faith of his new head coach, he will need to have a stellar debut season.