The recent 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 professional basketball careers at the highest levels—highlights themes of family, talent, and ambition, making it a compelling narrative in the world of sports.
Julian Reese, a 6-foot-9 forward from the University of Maryland, completed a strong college basketball 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 Summer League games and potentially earn a spot in their training camp roster. This signing is significant because it reflects the Lakers’ ongoing search for size and depth in their frontcourt. The team views Reese as a promising candidate who could contribute due to 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 opportunity to prove himself on a high-profile NBA team like the Lakers is a major step forward in his career.
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,” demonstrated not only sibling pride but also an understanding of the hard work and determination Julian will need to succeed in the NBA. Beyond social media, Angel has shown her support by attending Julian’s games, including Maryland’s Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament. This visible backing from a WNBA star adds a relatable and human element to the story of professional sports families, emphasizing the importance of familial support in achieving success.
The Reese family’s basketball legacy is rapidly growing in prominence, bridging the gap between men’s and women’s professional leagues. Angel Reese has already made a profound impact in the WNBA, setting records and earning national recognition, including being featured on the cover of Vogue in 2025. Julian’s entry into the NBA ecosystem further enriches this family legacy and provides inspiration for young athletes who follow both leagues. The dual-star situation—Angel in the WNBA and Julian in the NBA—is rare and draws significant media and fan attention, especially since the Lakers are one of the NBA’s most popular franchises. Their mother’s public reaction to Julian’s signing underscored the collective pride and anticipation felt by the family, highlighting the significance of this milestone.
While Julian’s opportunity with the Lakers is exciting, it also comes with challenges. He 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 must 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.
