Lakers GM Rob Pelinka compared Adou Thiero to premier 3-and-D wing

The Los Angeles Lakers have made some key additions this summer that have made their roster look at least a little better than it was when they lost in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. They added center Deandre Ayton in order to significantly plug what was a huge hole at the 5 spot, and they also signed emerging 3-point sniper Jake LaRavia and 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart.

In late June, the Lakers made a couple of moves in order to move up in the draft and snag Adou Thiero with the No. 36 pick. Thiero, a 6-foot-8, 220-pound forward out of the University of Arkansas, is known for his ability to attack the basket off the dribble and his high-level athleticism.

He also has the ability to become an excellent defender, but his outside shooting needs lots of work. Still, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka didn't hesitate to compare Thiero to OG Anunoby, one of the NBA's best 3-and-D players.

“Obviously OG is an incredible player that’s done so much in the league. I don’t want to put pressure on anyone to become someone else, but that archetype is definitely it. He’s got the 6’7″ frame, he’s incredibly explosive, I think he’s a developing shooter, he’s a lob catcher. I think on the other side of the ball, he’s gonna be an elite defender. He has all the tools there. JJ Redick and I actually hosted him in our building a couple weeks ago, took him to lunch and really got to know his character. That’s such an important part of the equation and he’s a great young man and hungry to get better and learn and grow and we feel like we have a great player development staff here. Super excited about all that.”

Anunoby started off his career by contributing off the bench when the Toronto Raptors won the NBA championship in his second season. He blossomed a couple of years later, and he is now a major part of a New York Knicks squad that has become a legitimate championship contender.

Thiero just happened to name Anunoby as a player he's looking to learn from. John Calipari, who coached him in college, implied that the teams that passed on him in the draft will end up regretting that decision.

The 21-year-old missed summer league last month due to a knee injury he sustained several months ago. However, he reportedly started working out at the Lakers' facility recently and is expected to be ready for training camp.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers GM Rob Pelinka compared Adou Thiero to premier 3-and-D wing