The NBA Summer League began on Saturday with the California Classic preceding the full event in Las Vegas. The Los Angeles Lakers faced the Golden State Warriors in a game that featured notable debuts, including that of Julian Reese, the younger brother of WNBA star Angel Reese. As Julian took the court for the Lakers, Angel Reese supports brother Julian by publicly cheering him on during this important moment in his basketball career.
Julian Reese Makes His Mark in Lakers Summer League Appearance
Though second-round pick Adou Thiero and rookie Bronny James were unavailable, the Lakers’ Summer League team included players such as Dalton Knecht, RJ Davis, Cole Swider, Eric Dixon, and Julian Reese. Julian, who played four seasons at the University of Maryland, was a key contributor for the Terrapins and helped lead them to the Sweet 16 in this year’s NCAA Tournament. Despite going undrafted, Reese secured an Exhibit-10 contract with the Lakers, aiming to impress and earn an invite to an NBA training camp later in the offseason.
Julian came off the bench in his Summer League debut and managed to convert an and-one play through contact, scoring his first field goal. This effort was quickly noticed by announcers, who highlighted his relation to Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky forward. Soon after, Angel took to social media and posted a simple but meaningful message, “COME ON JU.”
Sibling Connection and Shared Maryland Roots
Angel and Julian Reese both began their collegiate careers at Maryland, holding strong ties to their hometown of Baltimore. Angel later transferred to LSU, where she completed her college career and won a national championship, while Julian remained a loyal Terrapin for all four seasons. Last season, Julian appeared in 36 games, averaging 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game. His consistent double-double performances suggest he has the versatility to compete at the professional level.
Areas for Growth as Julian Pursues NBA Career
Despite his accomplishments, Julian Reese must improve key aspects of his game to secure a lasting spot in the NBA. His three-point shooting remains a weakness, as he has not developed a reliable long-range shot. Additionally, his free-throw percentage during college was 63%, indicating room for improvement in shooting consistency. Addressing these areas will be crucial as he works to prove his value to the Lakers and potentially earn a role in the league.
Impact of Angel Reese’s Support on Julian’s Journey
Angel Reese’s visible encouragement during Julian’s Summer League debut serves as a powerful boost for her brother as he takes steps toward his professional basketball aspirations. Their shared history and mutual support emphasize the importance of family in the competitive world of sports. With the NBA Summer League acting as a proving ground, Julian’s performance and continued development will determine his next opportunities — while Angel’s public backing offers both motivation and recognition on a broader stage.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What caused Angel Reese’s injury?
A. “I injured my hand when I fell during the play and landed on it. It caused a small fracture in my bone,” Reese explained in a TikTok video she shared late Sunday night. “The doctors told me I could choose to undergo surgery or skip it.”
Q. Why does McDonald’s support Angel Reese?
A. McDonald’s claims that the meal is inspired by Reese’s unique style and confidence. Reese, now in her second season with the Chicago Sky, is contributing to the growing enthusiasm for the WNBA.
Q. What was Angel Reese’s injury?
A. Last season, Reese broke her left wrist and couldn’t play the last six games. She came back for the Unrivaled three-on-three league this year but injured her wrist again. This happened when another player accidentally hit her wrist during a rebound, causing her to miss the end of that season too.
Q. What did Angel Reese’s parents do?
A. Angel’s basketball skills come from her parents, who both had experience playing in college and in professional leagues.