Just hours before the Chicago Sky’s 78-83 loss to the Golden State Valkyries, Angel Reese took a minute to celebrate a major moment in her family. Her younger brother, Julian Reese, officially signed with the Los Angeles Lakers as an undrafted free agent.
Reese, a 6-foot-9 forward from the University of Maryland, will participate in the upcoming NBA Summer League, aiming for a roster spot with the historic franchise.
Angel Reese Expresses Pride as Brother Julian Reese Joins the Pros
Angel Reese took to social media shortly after Julian’s signing became official, posting a motivational message for her brother on X: “OPPORTUNITY. COME ON JU.”
She later posted the proud moment on Instagram stories, quoting “Proud is an understatement. TIME TO WORK.”
Julian Reese, despite a productive four-year college career, went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft. During his senior season at Maryland in 2024-25, he averaged 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, shooting an efficient 55.5% from the field. He started all 36 games for the Terrapins.
Julian boosted his profile at the Portsmouth Invitational in April 2025, a well-known showcase for college talent. He impressed NBA scouts by nearly averaging a double-double with 13.3 points and 10.7 rebounds, while shooting 45% from the floor and earning a spot on the tournament’s All-Star team.
Reese established himself as one of Maryland’s all-time top forwards, accumulating 1,488 points and 1,015 rebounds during his tenure. He became just the second player in program history, alongside Len Elmore, to record at least 1,000 career points and rebounds. Reese also finished his career with 37 double-doubles, the fifth-most in school history.
Angel, who was preparing for a game of her own, shared her thoughts on X. She later reposted the news just four hours before her own tipoff.
OPPORTUNITY. COME ON JU. https://t.co/J3FHxwMfwf
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) June 27, 2025
Former Maryland head coach Kevin Willard praised Julian’s loyalty and consistency, stating, “I really believe one day Julian’s number will be hanging from the rafters.”
The Lakers are short on size going into Summer League, and Reese is expected to compete for depth minutes in the frontcourt. If he performs well, he could land a two-way deal or a G-League assignment heading into training camp.
Julian Reese Builds on the Family’s Basketball Legacy
Julian becomes the third professional basketball player in his family. He joins his sister Angel, the Sky’s breakout rookie who leads the WNBA in rebounding, and cousin Jordan Hawkins, a guard for the New Orleans Pelicans drafted in 2025.
The Lakers also signed Eric Dixon from Villanova and second-rounder Adou Thiero, who was selected 36th overall out of Arkansas. With the Lakers actively retooling their frontcourt this offseason, Julian will get a real shot at making an impression in Las Vegas.
Lakers are signing Angel Reese’s little brother, Julian Reese pic.twitter.com/yjcwl9qsTl
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 27, 2025
At Maryland, Reese played in 134 games and made 102 starts over his four-year career. He earned All-Big Ten honorable mention three times.
Angel, meanwhile, continues to dominate in her rookie WNBA season with the Chicago Sky. She recently logged her first career triple-double and leads the league in defensive rebounds.
Both siblings started their college careers at Maryland before Angel transferred to LSU, where she won a national championship in 2023. Now, both are pros, and she made it clear she’s still her brother’s biggest fan.
