The Los Angeles Lakers have been making waves this season, but not without some challenges. The blockbuster Luka Doncic trade, while bringing immense star power, also left a couple of holes in the roster. Most of the chatter has been about their lack of depth at the center position, but another issue has quietly emerged—their thin bench when it comes to guards. The team needed a solution, and they might have just found a hidden gem.
Enter Jordan Goodwin, a 6-foot-5 guard who has been grinding in the G League, waiting for his shot. A few weeks ago, the Lakers made the call to bring him up, and he has been nothing short of a revelation. While he might not be a superstar, and some might see him as a fringe rotation player on a championship-contending team, he has made his presence felt. His energy, hustle, and ability to knock down threes have been a welcome addition to the Lakers' bench.
Making It Official
The Lakers saw enough potential in Goodwin to take things to the next level. On Thursday, they officially converted his two-way contract into a standard NBA contract, allowing him to be eligible for the postseason. This move signals that the Lakers believe he can contribute when it matters most.
Head coach JJ Redick didn’t hold back his praise. He emphasized how Goodwin's mentality has been a game-changer for the team.
“Just his competitive spirit, his toughness. I joked with him in the morning, he can’t get soft on us now. He’s been a banshee for us since he’s been with us on the two-way and has provided not just the attitude, the toughness on the court, but he’s played some really good basketball for us. We’re very confident in him,” Redick told the media (h/t Lakers Nation).
Stats That Speak Volumes
Numbers don’t lie, and Goodwin’s stats tell an impressive story. Since joining the Lakers, he’s been averaging:
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6.5 points per game
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3.9 rebounds per game
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1.5 assists per game
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1.2 steals per game
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20.4 minutes per game
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48.1% shooting from the field
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42.9% shooting from 3-point range
These numbers might not jump off the page at first glance, but they showcase an efficient and hardworking player who makes the most of his minutes. Shooting nearly 43% from beyond the arc is a major asset, especially for a Lakers team that has struggled with consistent perimeter shooting in recent years.
More Than Just Stats—A Toughness Factor
Basketball isn’t just about numbers; it’s about impact. And Goodwin’s impact extends beyond the box score. He brings a level of grit and intensity that has been invaluable to the Lakers' second unit. His defensive effort, willingness to crash the boards, and ability to make the right play at the right time have turned him into a fan favorite.
For a Lakers team that often gets criticized for lacking a hard-nosed, defensive-minded mentality, Goodwin is proving to be a breath of fresh air. His hustle and commitment to doing the little things—diving for loose balls, setting tough screens, making the extra pass—are the kind of intangibles that every championship-caliber team needs.
What’s Next for Goodwin and the Lakers?
At just 26 years old, Goodwin still has a lot of basketball ahead of him. The Lakers clearly see potential in him, as his new contract includes a team option for the 2025-26 season. This means that if he continues to impress, he could become a more permanent piece of the Lakers' future.
The playoffs are right around the corner, and with the Lakers needing reliable depth, Goodwin could find himself playing a crucial role. If he continues to shoot efficiently, provide defensive intensity, and bring the same energy he’s shown so far, he might just carve out a long-term spot on this team.
Why This Move Matters
It’s easy to overlook moves like these in a league dominated by superstars. But championship teams aren’t just built on big names—they’re built on depth, chemistry, and role players who step up when needed. Jordan Goodwin is proving to be one of those guys. While the Lakers still have some roster concerns, particularly in the frontcourt, adding a player like Goodwin to solidify the backcourt depth is a step in the right direction.
The Lakers’ season has had its ups and downs, but stories like Goodwin’s are what make the NBA exciting. From grinding in the G League to securing a standard contract and potentially playing in the playoffs, his journey is just getting started. Now, it’s up to him to keep proving that he belongs at the highest level.
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