At a Glance
- Samson Nacua, 27, took a Los Angeles Lakers player’s BMW on Dec. 13, believing it was his brother Puka’s identical car
- Police confirm the incident was an accident; no charges will be filed
- The vehicle belonged to Lakers forward Adou Thiero, who also drives a newer-model BMW in the same color
- Why it matters: The quick resolution prevents a legal headache for two high-profile sports families
Samson Nacua, older brother of Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, will not face charges after mistakenly driving off in a Lakers player’s car last month, authorities confirmed.
The Mix-Up at One Hotel
On Saturday, Dec. 13, Samson Nacua and friend Trey Rose, both 27, retrieved what they believed was Puka’s BMW from the valet at the One Hotel on Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood. The vehicle, however, belonged to Lakers rookie forward Adou Thiero.
Key facts:
- Both Puka Nacua and Adou Thiero own the same newer-model BMW
- The cars share an identical paint color
- Valet staff released the wrong vehicle to Samson
Police tracked the car to the hotel and arrested both men. Thiero initially told investigators the pair had taken his car without permission, prompting the investigation.
Case Dismissed
Once detectives reviewed security footage and spoke with all parties, they determined the incident was a genuine mistake. Thiero declined to press charges after learning Samson had confused the two vehicles.
“This matter arose from a misunderstanding involving a vehicle and was promptly dismissed after review by the LAPD’s Office,” attorneys Jason Lampert and Michael Goldstein told ESPN. “The case is now closed.”
Who Is Samson Nacua?
Samson followed his younger brother’s path onto the football field at Brigham Young University. The 6-foot-3 wide receiver went undrafted but signed with the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 5, 2024. He appeared in preseason games before the club waived him later that month. He has not signed with another NFL team since.
| Timeline | Event |
|---|---|
| College | Brigham Young University |
| Aug. 5, 2024 | Signed with New Orleans Saints |
| Aug. 2024 | Waived by Saints |
| Dec. 13, 2025 | Car mix-up in West Hollywood |
Puka’s Breakout Season
While his older brother fielded legal questions, Puka Nacua wrapped up one of the most productive seasons for a receiver in NFL history. The second-year pro led the league in total receptions and finished second in receiving yards during the 2025-26 campaign.
The Rams star generated headlines off the field as well. He apologized after making gestures on a live stream that some viewers interpreted as antisemitic, while also criticizing NFL referees during the same broadcast.
Quick Resolution
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department closed the case without forwarding charges to the district attorney, sparing both the Nacua and Thiero families a protracted legal process.
