The Los Angeles Lakers didn't have a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and they only acquired one player in the most recent rookie selection with the No. 36 overall pick. That being said, they have been active in signing undrafted players in a bid to find a gem and get more weapons around Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
After moving up the draft board to select Arkansas forward Adou Thiero in the second round, the Lakers proceeded to bring in Villanova's Eric Dixon on a two-way contract. North Carolina's RJ Davis, Saint Mary’s Augustas Marciulionis and Texas' Arthur Kaluma also joined the Purple and Gold on Exhibit 10 deals.
However, Rob Pelinka and the L.A. front office didn't stop there. On Friday, they also signed former Maryland Terrapins big man Julian Reese — who also happens to be the younger brother of Chicago Sky star Angel Reese.
Julian Reese, who averaged 11.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game in his four years with Maryland, joined the Lakers on a Summer League contract.
Maryland Terrapins forward Julian Reese (10).
Maryland Terrapins forward Julian Reese (10).
Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
After hearing the news of her brother's signing with the L.A. franchise, Angel Reese was quick to react and show her excitement.
On her Instagram Stories, the Sky forward shared a post from ADS Sports Management announcing the deal and captioned it with a simple but powerful message.
"OPPORTUNITY. COME ONNNNN," Angel Reese wrote.
Chicago Sky star Angel Reese reacts to her brother Julian Reese signing with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Chicago Sky star Angel Reese reacts to her brother Julian Reese signing with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Angel Reese/Instagram
Angel Reese has always been supportive of his brother and his basketball career, so it's no surprise she's one of the first to react to the big news.
For what it's worth, their mother also reacted to the development, simply sharing a screenshot of the post from ADS Sports Management and writing, "#NBASummerLeague."
The Terrapins also showed their delight and congratulated Julian Reese, writing on X, "Congrats to @Reese10Julian on signing with the Lakers!"