Angel Reese Celebrates Brother’s Lakers Deal: A Family Moment in Professional Sports

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese expressed her excitement and pride as her younger brother, Julian “Juju” Reese, signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Los Angeles Lakers following the 2025 NBA Draft. This marks a significant milestone for the Reese family, with both siblings now pursuing professional basketball careers – Angel in the WNBA and Julian aiming to make his mark in the NBA. The signing highlights the dedication and talent within the Reese family and offers Julian a valuable opportunity to showcase his skills in the NBA Summer League.

A Dream Realized: Julian Reese Joins the Lakers

After going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, Julian Reese quickly found a home with the Los Angeles Lakers, who signed him to participate in the upcoming NBA Summer League. This provides the 6-foot-9 forward from the University of Maryland with a platform to compete against other promising rookies and demonstrate his potential to earn a roster spot.

The Lakers’ decision to sign Reese reflects their commitment to identifying and developing young talent, even beyond the draft. Undrafted free agents often face an uphill battle, but Summer League provides a crucial opportunity to prove their worth and impress coaches and scouts.

Angel Reese’s enthusiastic reaction to her brother’s signing underscores the strong bond between the siblings and the pride they share in each other’s accomplishments. Her four-word response – “It’s a big move for him” – succinctly captures the significance of this moment for Julian and the entire Reese family.

Building on Success: Angel Reese’s WNBA Journey and Family Support

Angel Reese’s own success as the No. 7 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, following her championship run with Louisiana State University, adds another layer of significance to Julian’s achievement. Her journey to the WNBA has inspired many, and her support for her brother is a testament to the close-knit nature of their family.

The Reese siblings’ stories highlight the growing prominence of college basketball stars transitioning to the professional ranks. Angel’s championship victory over Caitlin Clark and the University of Iowa sparked a notable rivalry and further elevated the profile of women’s college basketball. Now, Julian is embarking on his own professional journey, aiming to make a name for himself in the NBA.

The support system surrounding both Angel and Julian is undoubtedly a key factor in their success. The encouragement and guidance they receive from their family and friends will be invaluable as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of professional sports.

The Summer League Opportunity: A Platform for Development

The NBA Summer League is a crucial proving ground for undrafted free agents and rookies alike. Julian Reese will have the opportunity to showcase his skills, develop his game, and compete against some of the league’s most promising young players.

His performance in Summer League will be closely watched by the Lakers’ coaching staff and front office, who will be evaluating his potential to contribute to the team in the future. The experience will also provide valuable insights into the demands of the NBA game and help him prepare for the challenges ahead.

The signing of Julian Reese by the Lakers is a positive development for both the player and the organization. It provides Reese with a chance to pursue his dream of playing in the NBA, and it adds a promising young talent to the Lakers’ Summer League roster.

Key Takeaways

• Julian Reese signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Los Angeles Lakers following the 2025 NBA Draft.
• His sister, Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky, expressed her excitement and pride on social media.
• Julian will participate in the NBA Summer League, aiming to earn a roster spot with the Lakers.
• This marks a significant milestone for the Reese family, with both siblings pursuing professional basketball careers.
• The signing highlights the Lakers’ commitment to developing young talent and provides Julian with a valuable opportunity to showcase his skills.