Former New Orleans Saints preseason wide receiver Samson Nacua has been arrested in connection with the alleged theft of an SUV belonging to Los Angeles Lakers rookie Adou Thiero, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Nacua, 27, is the older brother of Rams standout wide receiver Puka Nacua, one of the NFL’s breakout stars this season. The incident reportedly took place over the weekend in West Hollywood, where Nacua and another man, Trey Rose, also 27, allegedly took Thiero’s vehicle without his permission.
Deputies responded to a call at the One Hotel in West Hollywood, where the SUV had been tracked. According to authorities, the suspects had valeted the vehicle and entered the hotel. Law enforcement hasn’t confirmed exactly when or where the car was initially taken.
Thiero, 21, is in his first season with the Lakers and has appeared in nine of the team’s first 25 games. While still finding his footing in the NBA, he’s been part of a young Lakers rotation that’s looking to build depth behind its stars.
Both Nacua and Rose have been charged with taking a vehicle without the owner's consent and are currently in custody. As of now, it’s unclear if either has legal representation.
Samson Nacua had a brief stint with the Saints during the 2024 preseason. Though he didn’t make the final 53-man roster, he turned heads with a 106-yard kickoff return that stood out as one of the highlights of New Orleans’ exhibition slate.
The situation remains under investigation, and further details are expected as the legal process unfolds.