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The Lakers are quietly building a ‘massive empire’ around LeBron and Luka – the 6’9″ ‘bodyguard,’ Angel Reese’s brother, is the ‘monster’ the Lakers are betting on to dominate the NBA!

Posted on June 28, 2025 - 3:37 am by

The Los Angeles Lakers are making strategic moves to reshape their roster and maximize their championship window around superstars LeBron James and Luka Dončić. Following a disappointing playoff exit in the 2024-25 season, the Lakers have been aggressive in the 2025 NBA Draft and undrafted free-agent market, signaling their intent to build a formidable squad. One of their most intriguing acquisitions is Julian Reese, the 6’9″ former Maryland forward and younger brother of WNBA star Angel Reese, signed to a Summer League contract. This move, alongside a calculated trade with the Chicago Bulls to move up in the second round, underscores the Lakers’ ambition to create a “massive empire” in the NBA.

A Strategic Trade to Bolster the Roster

On June 26, 2025, the Lakers executed a trade with the Chicago Bulls, moving up from the No. 55 pick to the No. 45 pick in the second round of the NBA Draft by sending cash considerations along with their original pick. This maneuver allowed them to select Arkansas forward Adou Thiero, a highly athletic prospect who adds versatility and dynamism to the wing. However, the Lakers didn’t stop there. They further traded the No. 45 pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves to secure the No. 36 pick, ensuring they landed Thiero, a player they believe can complement the playmaking and scoring prowess of LeBron James and Luka Dončić.

This trade reflects the Lakers’ focus on addressing key needs, particularly athleticism and perimeter defense, as they transition from a roster previously built around Anthony Davis to one tailored for Dončić’s playstyle. The acquisition of Thiero, combined with their pursuit of Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner in the draft (though they ultimately selected Thiero), shows a clear intent to add length, defensive tenacity, and youth to support their star duo.

Julian Reese: The 6’9″ ‘Bodyguard’ and Potential ‘Monster’

The Lakers’ signing of Julian Reese as an undrafted free agent on June 27, 2025, has generated significant buzz, not only because of his famous sister but also due to his potential to become a key contributor. Standing at 6’9″, Reese brings a blend of size, efficiency, and defensive prowess that could make him a valuable asset in the Lakers’ frontcourt. During his four-year career at Maryland, Reese averaged 11.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, with a standout senior season where he posted 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks on an impressive 55.5% field goal percentage. His durability, starting all but one game in his final three seasons, and his ranking among Maryland’s top 10 in rebounds, field goal percentage, and blocked shots highlight his reliability and impact.

Reese’s skill set aligns with the Lakers’ needs, particularly at the center position, which became a priority after trading Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić. Described as a “great defender and strong finisher” by fans and analysts on X, Reese’s ability to protect the rim and finish efficiently in the paint could make him a perfect complement to Dončić’s playmaking and LeBron’s versatility. His signing to a Summer League contract offers him a chance to prove he can be more than just a depth piece—he could emerge as the “monster” the Lakers are betting on to dominate alongside their superstars.

Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky star and former LSU national champion, celebrated her brother’s opportunity with a viral post on X, writing, “OPPORTUNITY. COME ON JU,” reflecting the family’s excitement and the growing spotlight on Julian’s NBA journey. This familial connection adds an extra layer of intrigue, as the Reese siblings could become a prominent brother-sister duo in professional basketball.

Building an Empire Around LeBron and Luka

The Lakers’ offseason moves are a clear signal of their ambition to construct a championship-caliber roster around LeBron James, who faces a critical decision on his $52 million player option by June 29, 2025, and Luka Dončić, acquired in a blockbuster trade that reshaped the team’s identity. The addition of undrafted talents like Reese, Villanova’s Eric Dixon, North Carolina’s RJ Davis, and Saint Mary’s Augustas Marčiulionis demonstrates the Lakers’ strategy of injecting youth and potential into a roster anchored by two of the NBA’s biggest stars.

Moreover, the Lakers are rumored to be pursuing veteran point guard Chris Paul to address their backup point guard needs, leveraging his friendship with LeBron and his desire for a championship. This blend of veteran leadership, superstar talent, and young, hungry players like Reese and Thiero positions the Lakers to create a dynamic and versatile squad capable of competing at the highest level.

The Road Ahead: Summer League and Beyond

Julian Reese’s first test will come in the NBA Summer League, starting July 10, 2025, where he’ll join a Lakers squad featuring Bronny James and potentially Dalton Knecht. Facing tough competition like the Dallas Mavericks and No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, Reese has a golden opportunity to showcase his defensive tenacity and finishing ability. If he can address his shooting limitations, as noted by analysts, he could carve out a role as a rotational big man or even a G-League standout with a path to the main roster.

The Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, is clearly playing the long game, balancing immediate needs with long-term potential. As one X user put it, “The Lakers signing Angel Reese’s lil brother Julian?? That fam’s glow-up is real, next-gen ballers in the making!” The sentiment reflects the excitement surrounding the Lakers’ quiet but calculated moves to build a dynasty.

Conclusion

The Los Angeles Lakers are laying the foundation for a “massive empire” by surrounding LeBron James and Luka Dončić with a mix of athletic prospects, defensive anchors, and high-upside talents. Julian Reese, the 6’9″ “bodyguard” and brother of Angel Reese, embodies the type of gritty, versatile player the Lakers are betting on to help them dominate the NBA. As the Summer League approaches, all eyes will be on Reese and the Lakers’ revamped roster to see if they can translate their potential into a championship-contending force.