The Los Angeles Lakers are in a difficult situation because of Jordan Goodwin’s outstanding play.
After the Lakers defeated the San Antonio Spurs 125-109 on Monday, March 18, Goodwin, who is on a two-way deal, has just five games remaining to be eligible to play on the team’s active roster.
After Goodwin’s pivotal performance against the Spurs, Redick told reporters, “It’s very complicated because he’s really earned the trust of the coaching staff.” But regrettably, having a complete roster and two-way contracts are like this.
Again, it’s something like Trey (Jemison), and we’re just going to get by. We simply cannot afford to take him out of the rotation at this time, in my opinion, and we’ll see when he recovers.
Redick has started Goodwin in the last three games due to the Lakers’ string of injuries, and the two-way player has responded by averaging 9.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks in 31.3 minutes.
He is shooting 50% overall and 41.7% from 3-point range. Goodwin finished his strong performance with 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block.
In order for Goodwin to be eligible for the playoffs, the Lakers must waive a player in order to change his current two-way contract into a regular one.
The choice must be made by the last day of the regular season. Jordan Goodwin is highly regarded by the Lakers coaching staff. After Goodwin averaged 9.7 points on 38.5% 3-point shooting, 4.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 steal in three G League games with the South Bay Lakers this season, the Lakers signed him to a two-way contract on February 7.
Although Goodwin is a tough defender, his lack of outside shooting was the main weakness. Prior to joining the Lakers, he had 121 NBA games with a 3-point shooting percentage of 30.8%. However, in order to get the Lakers’ attention, Goodwin has worked on his shooting and made significant progress.
Goodwin impressed Redick and his coaching staff throughout training camp. However, he was hampered by a hamstring injury. However, the Lakers gradually brought him in through their G League affiliate after he recovered.
Redick disclosed that with the Lakers’ regular roster filled, he and his coaching staff battled for Goodwin’s two-way deal. After their loss to the Denver Nuggets last week, Redick remarked, “If he hadn’t injured his hamstring, it would have happened sooner.”
Protege of Bradley Beal Goodwin was a former teammate in Phoenix and Washington and a protégé of Bradley Beal. When Goodwin joined Beal’s AAU basketball team, which he coached in St. Louis, they grew close.
Protege of Bradley Beal Goodwin was a former teammate in Phoenix and Washington and a protégé of Bradley Beal. When Goodwin joined Beal’s AAU basketball team, which he coached in St. Louis, they grew close.
The 6-foot-4 Goodwin joined the Washington Wizards Summer League team after being undrafted in 2021, and after being waived, he eventually joined their G League team. After that, he went from a 10-day contract to a two-way one before landing a multi-year contract with the Wizards to play alongside Beal.
He was part of the Beal deal to the Suns following his first full season with the Wizards, when he averaged 6.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. Last season, Goodwin averaged 5.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 14 minutes over 40 games as a Suns reserve. When the Suns moved Beal to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team transaction with the Memphis Grizzlies for Royce O’Neale at the February trade deadline, Goodwin and Beal parted ways.
When Goodwin was dealt, Beal told reporters, “I’ve known J Good since he was a teenager.” In some respects, it is unreal, yet we have discussed this in Washington, DC. No matter what, guy, if you’re here and someone else wants you, you should go prove yourself and be true to who you are. I’m thrilled that he has a new opportunity.
It’s awful, for sure. Business is business, even though I wish he was still here. He and I both understand it, and he is moving on to a better place. Hopefully, he will be able to stand up and be prepared when his name is called.
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