Amid incessant cries for trade, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka makes 2 sneaky deals to draft 6'8 wing in 2025 NBA draft

LA Lakers GM Rob Pelinka made two sneaky deals before the second round of the 2025 NBA draft amid fan cries for a trade. The Lakers were quiet through the first round, but on Thursday, they first moved up from the 55th pick to the 45th pick (via Chicago Bulls) and then the 36th pick from the Minnesota Timberwolves (via Brooklyn Nets). The Lakers offered cash in both deals, along with their previous picks.

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LA had its sights set on Arkansas' 6-foot-8 forward Adou Thiero. He's one of the best dunkers in the class alongside No. 3 pick V.J. Edgecombe, per Jonathan Givony. The Lakers were presumed to pick a center, but chose to shore up the wing spot with this move amid Dorian Finney-Smith's uncertain future.

LA needed depth with a player of Thiero's caliber, who averaged a career-high 15.1 points and 5.8 rebounds in his final college season last year. He shot 54.5%. Thiero was one of the key players on Arkansas and helped them become one of the best defensive teams. He averaged 1.6 steals per game last year.

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LA Lakers 36th pick Adou Thiero a top 1% athlete per Arkansas coach John Calipari

Adou Thiero received massive endorsement from Arkansas coach John Calipari before the NBA draft. During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Jun. 19, Calipari compared him to Immanuel Quickley and said he would be a big miss if he doesn't go in the first round.

"If anybody misses on him, it's gonna be like they missed on ... Immanuel Quickley," Calipari said. "Adou Thiero is a first-round draft pick and I'll tell you why. The league, I love the physicalness of the league right now ... you gotta work to get a basket, it ain't horse anymore ... Adou can play a physical game and athletically be in the top 1%."

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The Lakers' primary need was at center. However, the franchise is not choosing to fill that spot from the draft. Some of the best bigs in the class were drafted higher, so potentially, LA pivoted to Thiero, opting to fill its void for more defense on the wings.

About the author

Arhaan Raje is an Assistant Content Manager and Senior Writer with Sportskeeda's NBA/WNBA team with four years of experience.

Arhaan focuses on features, trends, listicles, and the latest rumors and reports circling the league's top teams and players. He emphasizes detailed research to create impactful content for readers. A fan of Xs and Os, Arhaan provides technical deep dives in his reporting.

Arhaan completed his bachelor's degree in BBA in Media and Entertainment Management from Mumbai, India.

Arhaan admires the killer mentality of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. He respects LeBron James for being a role model on and off the court. The bold and decisive Gregg Popovich stands out as Arhaan's favorite basketball coach. LeBron's epic chase-down block in the 2016 NBA Finals has a special place in Arhaan's basketball memories.

He has interviewed former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Gary Payton and Ronnie 2K, the face of NBA2k and Marketing Director.

Sports isn't the only passion he has pursued professionally. Arhaan is also into performing arts in the music industry as a percussionist.

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Edited by Arhaan Raje