The Lakers always seem to find hidden gems in draft classes, trades, the buyout market and even their G League team. Jordan Goodwin, who signed a two-way contract with the team earlier this month, is no exception. The 26-year-old has started to make a name for himself on the new-look Lakers, and he just might be in line for a promotion if he keeps this up.
Should the Lakers Upgrade Two-Way Guard to Standard Contract?
Goodwin’s Solid Stint
When Goodwin signed his contract with the Lakers after being cut by them in September, many pointed to his defense as an area he could help the team in. Fast forward a couple weeks, and the young guard has done that and more, enhancing the team with his hustle and scoring in addition to stopping the ball.
In five games with the purple and gold, Goodwin has averaged seven points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal on 57% shooting from the field and 40% from three. He recorded a season-high 17 points and eight rebounds in just his second game as a Laker, doing so on 73% shooting from the field (8/11 FG).
The third-year pro has looked comfortable this season, and he’s quickly earned the trust of his head coach and star teammates. In the Lakers’ win over the Nuggets Saturday night, Goodwin finished with five points, two steals and a rebound in 11 minutes, but his play in the fourth quarter quickly turned heads. Aside from being active on both ends of the floor, Goodwin drilled a corner three with 7:31 left, giving the Lakers their largest lead by that point (17) and forcing Denver to call a timeout and wave the white flag.
JORDAN GOODWIN APPRECIATION POST.
CASH!!!!! pic.twitter.com/mc8mlfFuqe
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) February 23, 2025
In a game dominated by Luka Doncic and LeBron James, Goodwin met the moment against a heated rival on national television, leading to support from fans and analysts alike.
Jordan Goodwin has officially cemented a spot in the rotation. It's not simply that he's leapfrogged Shake Milton among guards. He's getting fourth-quarter minutes that could theoretically go to Dalton Knecht, who hasn't played in the second half. JJ clearly trusts Goodwin. AK
— Kamenetzky Brothers (@KamBrothers) February 23, 2025
The moment I knew tonight was different. Start of the second half, MPJ 3 and Murray 3 and game was one possession. And we didn't panic, didn't call timeout, JJ trusted the guys and got the lead back to double digits.
Jordan Goodwin received enough trust to close in the fourth…
— Richard Staple, BSN, RN🇯🇲 (@RichStapless) February 23, 2025
Jordan Goodwin being in and out of the NBA truly makes no sense to me. Lakers need to keep him on the team next season.
— AR (@A_Riggo24) February 23, 2025
Goodwin’s Opportunities Should Increase
With other two-way players being signed to standard contracts, there’s no reason why the Lakers shouldn’t follow suit with Goodwin. He has already impacted the team’s play on both ends of the floor and boosts LA’s guard depth with his energy and scoring. Considering the Lakers’ emphasis on defense over the last two months, Goodwin fits right in with Redick’s system and the team’s identity.
Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus explained Goodwin’s contract situation in a post on X, writing: “The Lakers can convert him to a standard contract before, for the postseason but would need to cut someone first (presumably Cam Reddish). LA can do a two-year deal. He can be on the active roster for 19 total games as a TW.”
Jordan Goodwin is on a two-way (not playoff eligible). The Lakers can convert him to a standard contract before, for the postseason but would need to cut someone first (presumably Cam Reddish). LA can do a two-year deal. He can be on the active roster for 19 total games as a TW
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) February 23, 2025
Goodwin has seriously earned the opportunity of a standard contract if it’s in the cards. However, such a decision would also lead to questions surrounding other players.
The Bigs
Some may argue that center is still a higher priority for the Lakers, and considering the team has two bigs on two-way deals (Christian Koloko and Trey Jemison), why not upgrade one of them first? That could still be a possibility, especially since they’re both bruising lob threats who would thrive with Doncic and James. However, with Redick leaning toward small-ball lineups involving Dorian Finney-Smith or Rui Hachimura at center, there’s no rush to add a true young big man on a standard deal.
Cam Reddish
The next question concerns the play (or lack thereof) of Reddish. The 25-year-old wing has appeared in 31 games for the Lakers this season, averaging 3.3 points and two rebounds on .430/.289/.615 splits. He last played on Jan. 28 against the 76ers, recording five points, a rebound and a steal in nearly 18 minutes of action. The Lakers are all set at the wing with a seemingly interchangeable group of frontcourt players (including LeBron, Finney-Smith, Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt), leading to Reddish likely being the odd man out going forward.
The Last Word on Jordan Goodwin
The Lakers look remarkably different from the team head coach JJ Redick inherited over the summer. Changes could still be made with 27 games left in the regular season, and one of them should be bringing Jordan Goodwin onto the 15-man roster. He has made the most of his opportunities thus far, and he could be a solid role player for the Lakers once the postseason comes.
© Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
