LA Lakers overlooking 2025 NBA draft pick Adou Thiero's knee health concerns: Report

The LA Lakers traded with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday to select Adou Thiero with the No. 36 pick of the 2025 NBA draft. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka sent the No. 45 pick and cash considerations to the Timberwolves.

Besides trading up, the Lakers also took some risks in getting the 6-foot-6 forward. ClutchPoints' Anthony Irvin reported Thursday that the Lakers did not believe Thiero's injury issues were a major concern.

"Thiero did have some health concerns (knee) through the draft process, but I'm told the Lakers (a historically risk-averse org) are confident it won't be an issue moving forward," Irwin tweeted.

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Adou Thiero hyperextended his left knee against Missouri on Feb. 22. After sitting out multiple games, he returned in the Sweet 16 when the Razorbacks took on Texas Tech in late March. Thiero came off the bench but was limited to five minutes in Arkansas’ 85-83 overtime loss.

Thiero spent two seasons with the Kentucky Wildcats under John Calipari. He remained in the SEC in his junior year but transferred to Arkansas to follow Calipari. Thiero averaged 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game.

His one-year stay in Arkansas ended in disappointment. The left knee injury kept him out of multiple games and he hardly had an impact in the Sweet 16 against Texas Tech.

Despite the injury history, the LA Lakers zeroed in on Thiero and traded up to draft him.

Dan Woike of The Athletic reported the process behind Rob Pelinka's decision to jump nine spots in the second round of the draft.

"Thiero's the name that crystalized for the Lakers throughout the day as a target. Per sources, there was interest from Sacramento at No. 42."

Fans react to LA Lakers drafting Adou Thiero despite knee injury concerns

The LA Lakers traded up twice to get Adou Thiero. Rob Pelinka sent the No. 55 pick to the Chicago Bulls for the No. 45 pick, which he then sent to Minnesota to jump to No. 36.

Following the report that the Lakers overlooked Thiero's injury issues, fans expressed their concern:

Thiero shot 28.4% from deep in college, including 25.6% with the Razorbacks.

The Lakers drafted Thiero for his potential and physical tools. According to Jonathan Givony, ESPN's draft expert, Thiero needs to "make strides with his shooting and overall consistency" to earn minutes.

About the author

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

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Edited by Michael Macasero