Two men — including the brother of Los Angeles Rams standout wide receiver Puka Nacua — were arrested over the weekend following an alleged vehicle theft involving a Los Angeles Lakers player, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Authorities told NBC Los Angeles that deputies responded to a call at the 1 Hotel in West Hollywood after a stolen SUV was electronically tracked to the location.
Law enforcement officials further confirmed that the vehicle belonged to Lakers forward Adou Thiero and had allegedly been taken without his permission. When deputies arrived, the SUV had already been turned over to the hotel’s valet service, and the suspects were inside the property.
Investigators reviewed hotel security footage, which ultimately helped identify the individuals connected to the vehicle. Shortly afterward, deputies located and arrested the suspects nearby.
The two men were identified as 27-year-old Samson Nacua — the older brother of Rams rookie sensation Puka Nacua — and 27-year-old Trey Rose.
Both men were booked on suspicion of taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent. According to the latest update from the authorities, they remain in custody. Law enforcement has not released details about where or when the SUV was initially taken, and it is unclear whether either suspect has retained legal representation.
While the arrest has drawn attention due to the high-profile names connected to the case, Samson has his own athletic background. Like his younger brother, he played college football at BYU and also attended the University of Utah. Across five collegiate seasons, he recorded 1,344 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns.
Unlike Puka, who quickly emerged as one of the NFL’s most productive receivers with the Rams, Samson’s professional football journey has taken a different path.
After going undrafted in 2022, he signed with the Indianapolis Colts but did not make the final roster. He later had a brief stint with the New Orleans Saints before finding opportunities in spring football leagues.
Samson appeared with the USFL’s Pittsburgh Maulers and most recently with the UFL’s Michigan Panthers. During his time with the Panthers, he was suspended for one game after slapping a fan, according to league reports.