Who is Julian Reese? LA Lakers signing’s relationship to WNBA star Angel Reese

The Los Angeles Lakers are seriously bolstering their roster this offseason with several key additions to the roster.

Following a busy night during the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers walked away with five players.

However, general manager Rob Pelinka is not done making moves as the Lakers have now signed Maryland’s Julian Reese to an Exhibit 10 deal.

But who is Julian Reese? Let’s take a look at the former Maryland player’s journey to the NBA.

Julian Reese’s NCAA career

With the Lakers being bought by Mark Walter, it feels like the new ownership is backing the team to invest in underrated players.

This is evident by the Lakers signing the likes of Eric Dixon, Augustas Marciulionis, and now Reese. Coming to him, the 6’9″ forward spent all four years of his NCAA career with the Maryland Terrapins.

In four years, every part of Reese’s game has improved as he averaged a near double-double during his final two seasons.

But the biggest standout is his ability to grab boards. Reese perfectly utilizes his 6’9″ frame to rebound well on the court.

He also shot a solid 55.7% from the field and 29.2% from the three-point line for his NCAA career. He undoubtedly has a few good qualities, and if all goes well, Reese may earn a spot on the roster beyond the NBA Summer League.

Many may have noticed that Julian’s last name is the same as Chicago Sky star Angel Reese. Is the Lakers’ new signing related to the WNBA star?

Well, yes, Julian is the younger brother of Sky’s Angel. Speaking of Julian’s arrival in LA, Reese shared a short message for her brother on X.

“Opportunity. Come on, JU,” Reese tweeted.

It is indeed a huge opportunity, but Julian will be in competition with several stars to earn a two-way deal by the end of the Summer League. After all, teams often cut players on Exhibit 10 deals before the regular season.

Angel is among the most popular WNBA stars in the world. Can Julian do the same in the NBA? Only time will tell what the future holds for the 21-year-old forward.