The Los Angeles Lakers signed Maryland product Julian Reese to an undrafted free agent contract Friday, bringing the massive man in for the NBA Summer time League. Reese is the brother of Chicago Sky All-Star Angel Reese and is now set to affix her as knowledgeable basketball participant. The 1,000-point scorer may have a chance within the coming months to earn a roster spot with the Lakers.
As a four-year participant within the Massive Ten, Reese tallied 102 begins and 134 profession appearances and have become one among simply two gamers in Maryland historical past (together with Len Elmore) to build up not less than 1,000 factors and 1,000 rebounds. He’s the second-leading rebounder in Terrapins historical past together with his 1,015 boards. Reese additionally stands within the high 10 within the faculty’s report books in profession taking pictures proportion (55.7%) double-doubles (37) and for single-season rebounds (325).
“OPPORTUNITY. COME ON JU,” Angel Reese stated on social media in response to her brother’s signing.
Reese was a key piece of Maryland’s “Crab 5” lineup that reached the Candy 16 throughout the 2025 NCAA Match. He averaged 13.3 factors and 9 rebounds per sport and picked up All-Massive Ten honorable point out standing for the third time in his profession.
“I actually imagine sooner or later Julian’s quantity will probably be hanging from the rafters,” former Maryland coach Kevin Willard stated throughout Reese’s senior season. “As a result of in an period the place youngsters confirmed no loyalty, youngsters rise up and go anytime they need, cash this and that, this younger man did not switch.”
Whereas he was not a premier draft prospect, Reese elevated his inventory this spring on the Portsmouth Invitational, an annual showcase in Virginia devoted to serving to faculty basketball standouts construct their draft profiles. He tallied 15.5 factors and 9.5 rebounds throughout the event and landed on the occasion’s All-Star workforce.
The Lakers are looking for a middle to finish their beginning lineup, and whereas Reese doesn’t present the veteran presence the franchise must compete for a championship, he might stick as a depth piece if he performs nicely this summer time. They traded up within the second spherical to pick out Arkansas ahead Adou Thiero with their lone decide within the 2025 draft.
