The Los Angeles Lakers have invested heavily in the potential of second-round draft pick Adou Thiero. Los Angeles completed two separate trades, each time including cash considerations, to go from No. 55 overall to No. 36 and thus add Thiero.
If an amibitious upside comparison from Rob Pelinka rings true, then the Lakers just added the next OG Anunoby.
Thiero was compared to a number of intriguing names in the buildup to the 2025 NBA Draft. The Ringer highlighted similarities between Thiero and breakout Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara, and Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports made the connection to Jae Crowder.
Both outcomes would be ideal for the Lakers, but general manager Rob Pelinka seems to have a different upside comparison in mind: OG Anunoby.
Pelinka pointed to OG Anunoby as an "archetype" -- Lakers had him in the building a few weeks ago. Thiero had lunch with Redick and Pelinka.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) June 27, 2025
In case you're wondering if that's a reach, it's worth noting that Thiero himself said that he patterns his defensive game after Anunoby and All-Defense mainstay Jrue Holiday.
Adou Thiero discussed who he models his game after in his interview with @SpectrumSN:
— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) June 27, 2025
"I watch a lot of defenders. Trying to pick up on what they do in the league, that's a different level. It's a lot of different stuff offensive players do in the league, so trying to pick up…
Whether or not Thiero lives up to the Anunoby hype, the fact that it's even considered a possibility is telling of how promising his potential is.
Rob Pelinka compares Lakers draft pick Adou Thiero to OG Anunoby
Anunoby and Thiero have remarkably similar stories as prospects. They both captivated the masses with their powerful frames, explosive athleticism, defensive acumen, and uncanny ability to make highlight-reel plays on both ends of the floor.
Unfortunately, they also endured injuries during their respective collegiate careers that caused some to question how safe an upside pick could be.
That resulted in Anunoby sliding to No. 23 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft and Thiero falling all the way to No. 36 in 2025. Anunoby landed in an ideal situation with the Toronto Raptors, and Thiero has now done the same with the Lakers.
Both players faced significant expectations despite their draft position, but they also landed with organizations that were ideally equipped to facilitate their development.
The primary question facing Thiero is whether or not he can follow in Anunoby's footsteps by developing into an efficient and reliable jump shooter. If that transpires, then the Lakers would have a chance to help him become one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA.
As Anunoby has shown during his New York Knicks career, there's also untapped potential as a shot creator to consider.
Regardless of how close Thiero comes to the level Anunoby has reached, it's a testament to his talent and defensive consistency that this comparison has been made. It's not just a matter of a powerful physique, a long wingspan, and explosive athleticism, but also a reflection of how hard he plays every time out.
Joining a team that already has a franchise player in Luka Doncic, Thiero will have a chance to prove that even ambitious upside comparisons are fair game due to the impact he's capable of making.