After a disappointing finish to last season, the Los Angeles Lakers are aggressively exploring ways to strengthen their roster and maximize the championship window for LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Their latest move brings in a promising young big man — and a familiar last name — as they aim to build depth ahead of the 2025–26 NBA campaign. The Lakers have agreed to a deal with Julian Reese, the younger brother of WNBA star and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese.
The former Maryland standout joins the Lakers’ Summer League squad alongside other notable undrafted players including RJ Davis (North Carolina), Eric Dixon (Villanova), and Augustas Marčiulionis (Saint Mary’s).
Reese enjoyed a strong four-year career with the Maryland Terrapins, surpassing 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds while ranking among the top 10 in program history in rebounds, field goal percentage, and blocked shots. Despite averaging 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.5 blocks on 55.5% shooting as a senior, Reese went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Standing 6-foot-9, Reese brings a physical interior presence but limited shooting range — he did not attempt a single three-pointer in his final three college seasons. That lack of offensive versatility may have caused teams to hesitate. However, the Lakers are betting on his rebounding, shot-blocking, and toughness to translate at the next level.
Julian Reese #10 of the Maryland Terrapins drives to the basket against the Florida Gators during the first half in the West Regional Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament
Los Angeles have a strong track record of developing undrafted talent. Both Alex Caruso and Austin Reaves began their careers as overlooked prospects before earning key roles with the Lakers — and in Caruso’s case, winning a title in 2020.
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The Lakers are confident that Reese can follow a similar path. Angel Reese celebrated her brother’s opportunity on X (formerly Twitter), posting: “OPPORTUNITY. COME ON JU,” in a message of support that quickly went viral. The family connection brings an added layer of intrigue to Julian’s NBA journey.
Both Angel and Julian began their college careers at Maryland. While Angel later transferred to LSU, where she captured a national championship, Julian stayed with the Terrapins all four years and helped guide them to a Sweet 16 berth in the most recent NCAA Tournament.
Julian Reese now joins one of the NBA’s most high-profile franchises, one that features global icons like LeBron James and Luka Doncic. With the Lakers facing uncertainty surrounding Austin Reaves and other roster questions, all eyes will be on how Reese performs in Summer League — and whether he can seize his moment in L.A.
