By editor 
The signing of Julian Reese by the Los Angeles Lakers as an undrafted free agent for the NBA Summer League has sparked considerable excitement in the basketball world. This development is particularly noteworthy because it marks a significant milestone for the Reese family, as Julian’s sister, Angel Reese, is one of the brightest stars in the WNBA. The story of the Reese siblings—both pursuing their dreams in professional basketball—highlights themes of family, talent, and ambition, making it a compelling narrative in the sports world.
Julian Reese’s journey to the Lakers is a testament to his hard work and dedication. A 6-foot-9 forward from the University of Maryland, Julian completed a solid college career, averaging 13.3 points and 9 rebounds per game in his senior year. Despite not being selected in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Lakers recognized his potential and signed him to an Exhibit 10 contract, allowing him to participate in the Summer League and potentially earn a spot in their training camp roster. This opportunity is significant for Julian, as it provides him with a platform to showcase his skills and compete against some of the best young talent in the league.
The Lakers’ decision to sign Julian underscores their ongoing search for size and depth in their frontcourt. The team sees Reese as a promising candidate who could contribute given his versatile skill set and physical attributes. While Julian may not be as highly touted as his sister Angel, who was a top-seven pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, this chance to prove himself on a high-profile NBA team like the Lakers is a significant step forward in his career. The Summer League will be a crucial proving ground for Julian, as he will need to demonstrate his versatility, defensive prowess, and work ethic to carve out a niche in the NBA.
Angel Reese has been a vocal and enthusiastic supporter of her brother’s signing. Known for her confident and bold persona, Angel’s social media post, “COME ON JU,” showed not only sibling pride but also an understanding of the hard work and grit Julian will need to showcase in order to move from Summer League hopeful to NBA roster member. Angel’s support extends beyond social media; she made the trip to San Francisco to watch Julian compete when Maryland reached the Sweet 16 stage of the NCAA Tournament, underscoring the closeness of their relationship and mutual encouragement. This visible backing from a sibling who is already established as a WNBA star adds a relatable and human element to the story of professional sports families.
The Reese family’s basketball narrative is climbing in prominence, bridging the gap between men’s and women’s professional leagues. Angel Reese has already made a profound impact by setting WNBA records and earning national recognition, including being featured on the cover of Vogue in 2025. Julian’s entry into the NBA ecosystem enriches this family legacy and provides inspiration for young athletes who follow both leagues. Their mother’s public reaction to Julian’s signing emphasized a celebratory tone for this milestone, reflecting the collective pride and anticipation felt by the family. The dual-star situation—Angel in the WNBA and Julian entering the NBA ranks—is rare and draws media and fan attention, especially since the Lakers are one of the NBA’s most popular franchises.
While this opportunity with the Lakers is exciting, it also comes with challenges. Julian must prove himself in a competitive Summer League environment and navigate the demanding evaluations that undrafted players typically face. Unlike high draft picks who receive guaranteed contracts or significant initial playing time, undrafted free agents need to demonstrate versatility, defensive prowess, and work ethic to carve out a niche. The Lakers’ current roster situation—marked by a desire to add size and scoring options—could provide Julian the platform he needs if he performs well. Summer Leagues often serve as proving grounds for players like Reese to earn invites to training camps or even two-way contracts that allow NBA and G-League play. His college experience at Maryland, where he was a consistent contributor, should serve as a foundation to adapt and grow at the professional level.
The Reese siblings’ simultaneous professional journeys highlight the evolving landscape where male and female athletes from the same family gain significant recognition in their respective leagues. This dynamic challenges traditional sports narratives that focus on male family members alone and instead celebrates diverse paths to professional success. It also encourages conversations about support systems, sibling rivalries, and collaborative motivation in sports families. Angel and Julian’s relationship appears to fuel positive reinforcement rather than competition, reflective of modern understandings that athletes, regardless of gender, benefit from shared encouragement.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ signing of Julian Reese opens an exciting new chapter for both him and his family, especially WNBA superstar sister Angel Reese. Their story embodies ambition, familial support, and the pursuit of excellence across professional basketball’s male and female tiers. Julian’s forthcoming Summer League performance will be pivotal, offering him a platform to prove that he can stand alongside elite talent and continue Maryland’s proud basketball tradition. This narrative resonates not only with basketball fans but also with anyone inspired by sibling bonds and the relentless drive to succeed at the highest levels. Angel Reese’s strong public backing and Julian’s determination highlight a promising journey that could enrich the Reese legacy for years to come, making their shared ascent a compelling story in professional sports.