“Everything was always competitive with my younger brother.” Growing up just thirteen months apart, Angel Reese and Julian Reese were never going to be anything less than rivals. Their childhood was not filled with quiet afternoons; it was filled with one-on-one games, shouts from the driveway, and an unspoken desire to be better than the other. “We had a basketball court in front of our house, and it was always very competitive and intense. We played all the time together. It helped shape me to who I am now.” For Angel, that fire pushed her into basketball in the first place, and now it’s time to recognize.  

From that fiercely competitive Baltimore court to the bright lights of NCAA arenas. And now in professional stages, the Reese siblings have always carried that fire. Julian Reese’s journey has been its own climb. A four-star recruit out of St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, he stayed close to home in Maryland, just 36 minutes from where he grew up. Angel left Maryland for LSU, eventually leading the Tigers to a national championship in 2023. Julian remained a fixture for the Terps and steadily developed into one of the most reliable big men in the Big Ten. But these days, it’s not just competition that defines their relationship. It’s a celebration, too.

Angel Reese posted a story on her Instagram, dancing to the viral “Disco” by Surf Curse trend, playful, carefree, and very much her. But it was the caption that really told the story, “happy birthday to my twinflameeee! rockin & rolling with you no matter what! @shifty_ju”. That ‘twinflame’? Julian Reese, the once-little brother she couldn’t stand to lose to, is now a rising star himself. The two were born just a year and a month apart, Angel on May 6, 2002, and Julian on June 6, 2003. And it shows in everything from their swagger to their storylines.

Julian has made his mark as a dependable, physical 6’9″ forward, the kind of player who does the little things right. And while his name may have been overshadowed at times by Angel’s rising WNBA stardom, that’s quickly changing.

Angel’s birthday tribute was more than just a sweet sibling moment. It was a nod to how far they’ve come together. And on Friday, the gift arrived. Julian Reese signed with the Los Angeles Lakers as an undrafted free agent, likely on an Exhibit 10 training camp deal. It’s not the kind of flashy draft-night headline that turns heads, but it’s a chance. And if there’s one thing the Reeses’ know how to do, it’s make the most of the chances. 

What’s due for the Lakers’ Summer League 2025?

The 2025 NBA Draft is in the rearview mirror, and now it’s time for one of the most anticipated events of the offseason Summer League. For Lakers fans, that means a first real look at the next generation of purple-and-gold hopefuls. This year’s Summer League squad is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory. Leading the way is Bronny James, who is already bringing a media circus with him, and second-round pick Adou Thiero, a defensive-minded athlete out of Kentucky. But the roster runs deeper than just the draft picks.

Joining them are Julian Reese and Eric Dixon, last year’s NCAA scoring leader. Additionally, RJ Davis, Arthur Kaluma, and Augustus Marčiulionis, who all signed Exhibit 10 deals, meaning they’ll be fighting for a G League spot or even a two-way contract.

While most headlines will rightfully center around Bronny, one of the more under-the-radar stories to watch is Julian Reese’s Lakers debut. The Maryland big man signed an Exhibit 10 deal with L.A. after going undrafted, and he’s got a real opportunity to earn a more permanent spot if he shows out in Vegas. The Lakers need frontcourt help. With limited depth, there’s a very real possibility that Reese, who averaged 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks as a senior, can fight his way into a two-way contract or even surprise with a roster invite.

And Reese isn’t alone in his hustle. Ty Johnson, a high-scoring guard out of UC Davis with 21.1 points, four rebounds, and three assists. And Ethan Taylor, a sharpshooting wing from Air Force who hit nearly 40% from three last season, rounds out a cast of seasoned college veterans. Every one of these guys knows what’s on the line, and for Reese, it’s more than just basketball. It’s a family tradition.

The Lakers’ Summer League opener is set for a marquee matchup: Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks, with the No. 1 pick reportedly getting reps at point guard. That’s a real test right out of the gate, not just for Bronny, but for every hungry player looking to earn a spot. For Julian Reese, this isn’t just another audition. It’s a shot to prove he belongs on an NBA roster, a shot he’s been preparing for his whole life. From Baltimore blacktops to the bright lights of Las Vegas, he’s ready to rock and roll.