Angel Reese Beams with Pride as Lakers Ink Deal with Her Brother, Undrafted Standout Julian Reese…Read More…
In a move that has lit up both the NBA and WNBA circles with excitement and emotion, the Los Angeles Lakers have officially signed Julian Reese, the younger brother of WNBA All-Star Angel Reese, as an undrafted free agent. The announcement came just days after the conclusion of the 2025 NBA Draft, where Reese, a standout forward from the University of Maryland, was surprisingly not selected—only to find himself embraced by one of the league’s most storied franchises.
Angel Reese, the Baltimore-born basketball sensation and one of the WNBA’s most dynamic young stars, took to social media moments after the Lakers confirmed the signing, expressing overwhelming pride and joy for her brother. “From the dirt roads to the bright lights. I told y’all—my brother’s time is coming. L.A., y’all got a real one 💜💛,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter), with a collage of childhood photos of the siblings and a video of Julian training in the gym.
The Reese family’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Raised by a single mother who worked tirelessly to support their dreams, both Angel and Julian have faced their share of obstacles—from being overlooked by scouts to battling for recognition in a crowded talent pool. Yet their unwavering work ethic, fierce competitiveness, and love for each other have been constants throughout their rise in the basketball world.
Julian’s Road to the League
Julian Reese, 22, spent three seasons with the Maryland Terrapins, where he became known for his bruising interior presence, high motor, and defensive tenacity. Standing at 6-foot-9 and weighing 235 pounds, he averaged 13.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game during his junior season, earning All-Big Ten honors and anchoring one of the conference’s most physical defenses.
Despite his consistent production and growth, Reese went undrafted—a surprise to many analysts who saw him as a potential second-round steal. But within hours of the draft’s conclusion, the Lakers, who have a reputation for developing undrafted talent into valuable contributors, offered Julian a two-way contract, granting him the opportunity to split time between the Lakers and their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.
According to Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka, the team had Julian high on their undrafted priority list. “We love the way Julian competes,” Pelinka said during a post-draft press conference. “He’s relentless on the boards, tough in the paint, and plays with heart—something we value deeply here in Los Angeles.”
Angel Reese: Big Sister, Bigger Fan
While Angel Reese has already made her mark on the WNBA with the Chicago Sky—earning an All-Star nod in just her second season—she’s often spoken about the bond she shares with her brother, whom she describes as her “day one” and “number one motivator.”
“He’s my best friend,” Angel said in a recent interview. “When people see me grind, know that it’s because I grew up battling him every single day. We pushed each other in ways only siblings can. I was always the loud one, but he was the quiet killer. And now the world’s going to see that too.”
Their story has resonated with fans across social media, with many praising the Reese siblings for their authenticity, family-first values, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Viral clips have resurfaced of a young Angel and Julian practicing together on a neighborhood court, shouting instructions and laughter echoing in the background.
Reaction Across the Sports World
The Lakers’ decision to sign Julian Reese has sparked a wave of support and celebration across both leagues. WNBA stars like A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum congratulated the Reese family, with Plum tweeting, “The Reese bloodline DIFFERENT. Let’s go, Julian!” Meanwhile, NBA stars including Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., who had previously trained with Julian in off-season camps, expressed excitement about the signing.
“I’ve worked out with Julian—he’s got that dawg in him,” Jackson posted on Instagram. “Lakers got a sleeper.”
Even LeBron James, the Lakers’ veteran leader, liked a post highlighting Julian’s stats and potential fit with the team, fueling speculation that the Lakers may see him as more than just a G League prospect.
Lakers’ Strategic Vision
The signing of Julian Reese speaks volumes about the Lakers’ evolving draft-and-develop strategy. With a roster that already boasts a mix of experienced veterans and emerging talent, the addition of Reese adds further depth to their frontcourt—a crucial need as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Julian is expected to participate in the Lakers’ Summer League squad in Las Vegas next month, where all eyes will be on him as he aims to prove his worth and earn a full-time roster spot. Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy, who has a reputation for nurturing young big men, has already started working with Reese during early training sessions.
“We’re going to challenge him,” Handy said. “But from what I’ve seen already, this young man is ready to fight for every inch of this opportunity.”
A Family Legacy in the Making
With Angel dominating in the WNBA and Julian now donning the purple and gold in the NBA, the Reese family is carving out a unique legacy in professional basketball. It’s a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and unshakable sibling love.
As Angel prepares for her WNBA All-Star appearance and Julian gears up for his Lakers debut, the story of the Reese siblings continues to captivate fans—and inspire a new generation of dreamers.
“You don’t always get to see stories like this,” ESPN’s Malika Andrews said during a recent broadcast. “Brother and sister, both at the top of their game, rooting for each other with the kind of authenticity that can’t be scripted. This is what sports is all about.”
From backyard courts in Baltimore to the bright lights of Chicago and Los Angeles, Angel and Julian Reese are no longer just chasing dreams—they’re living them, together.
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