Professional basketball player Adou Thiero, currently with the Los Angeles Lakers, and former NFL wide receiver Samson Nacua have been taken into custody by police in Kentucky. The arrests are connected to an ongoing investigation into a vehicle-related incident.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
According to official records, the arrests took place on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Both men were booked at the Fayette County Detention Center in Lexington. The charges listed against them are serious, including first-degree robbery and receiving stolen property over $10,000.
Court documents reveal that the allegations stem from an event earlier in the month. It is claimed that on December 5, 2025, Thiero and Nacua were involved in unlawfully taking a motor vehicle. The specific circumstances surrounding the alleged robbery and how the property was received remain under active investigation by local authorities.
Backgrounds of the Individuals Involved
Adou Thiero is a 21-year-old forward who was selected by the Lakers in the second round of the 2025 NBA draft. Having played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats, he is considered a promising young talent beginning his professional career. The Los Angeles Lakers organisation has acknowledged the situation, stating they are "aware of the matter and are in the process of gathering more information." They have declined to comment further at this preliminary stage.
Samson Nacua, aged 29, is the older brother of current NFL star Puka Nacua. His own professional football career included a stint with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022. He has not been on an active NFL roster for the past two seasons. The arrest brings significant attention to the Nacua family, which has been celebrated for its athletic achievements.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Consequences
Both men were processed at the detention centre and later released. The method of their release is recorded as "conditional release - pretrial," indicating they are not currently in custody but must adhere to specific court-imposed conditions while awaiting further legal proceedings.
The implications of these charges are severe. Under Kentucky law, a conviction for first-degree robbery, a Class B felony, can carry a prison sentence of 10 to 20 years. The charge of receiving stolen property over $10,000 is also a felony. For Adou Thiero, this legal entanglement poses a direct threat to his nascent NBA career, potentially leading to suspension or termination by the Lakers, depending on the outcome and the league's investigation.
The case continues to develop, with law enforcement likely pursuing further evidence and witness statements. The basketball and sports communities are watching closely, awaiting updates from the legal system and official responses from the Los Angeles Lakers franchise.
