The Los Angeles Lakers have been busy ever since the second round of the NBA draft yesterday. After trading to move up 10 spots in the draft, they found another deal to acquire the 36th pick for Adou Thiero before signing Eric Dixon after the draft. Their latest signing is Julian Reese, the younger brother of WNBA star, Angel Reese.
“Big congrats to Julian Reese, who will head to LA with the Lakers,” wrote ADS Sports Management on social media.
Reese will now join the Lakers for the Summer League, with a chance to earn an invitation to training camp in September. The 6’9″ forward, who is just 21 years old, had a standout career with the Maryland Terrapins, averaging 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.5 blocks as a senior while shooting 55.5 percent from the field.
Over multiple years with the program, Reese finished with over 1,000 points and rebounds, finishing top 10 in program history in total rebounds, field goal percentage, and blocks. Described as a versatile and determined competitor, Julian could be good for the Lakers as added depth in the frontcourt and he might provide a boost on the glass with his elite rebounding ability.
While he struggles with his shot, the Lakers have a desperate need for interior play right now and he certainly fits the bill as an inside-out scorer. Plus, as the younger brother to Angel Reese, he already has some experience in the spotlight and years of practice with a young professional.
“OPPORTUNITY. COME ON JU,” wrote Angel on her brother’s contract with the Lakers.
With a full roster and several young players ahead of him in the rotation, the odds are stacked against Julian to land a permanent place on the Lakers. They are in win-now mode at the moment and unless he does something really impressive, he may lose his spot for good after the Summer League ends.
Regardless, this is a chance for Julian to prove his worth and show that he belongs in the NBA. Whether or not the Lakers keep him, he can secure a future in the league if he shows enough resilience, determination, and skill. Clearly, he’s got plenty of people in his corner already but only he can determine what he makes of this latest opportunity.
