The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant roster adjustment ahead of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, converting guard Jordan Goodwin’s two-way contract into a standard NBA deal. To make room, they waived Cam Reddish, bringing an end to his underwhelming tenure in L.A. and securing Goodwin’s role in the team’s postseason plans.
Goodwin, who joined the Lakers on a two-way contract in February, quickly earned a spot in the rotation with his tenacious defense and high-energy play. Over 19 games, he has averaged 6.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.2 steals in just over 20 minutes per game, shooting 47% from the field and an impressive 41.3% from three-point range. While his numbers aren’t flashy, his impact has been undeniable, bringing much-needed defensive intensity following the trade of Max Christie.
Since two-way contract players are ineligible for the playoffs, the Lakers had to act after Goodwin’s final two-way game in Wednesday’s win over the Pacers. With all 15 roster spots filled, they officially converted his deal Thursday morning, parting ways with Reddish in the process.
Reddish’s release was anticipated. The former Duke star struggled with inconsistency and injuries throughout his time in L.A. After signing before the 2023–24 season, he played 33 games but averaged just 3.2 points and 2.0 rebounds while shooting 40.4% from the field and 27.7% from deep. Once viewed as a promising two-way wing, he fell out of head coach JJ Redick’s rotation entirely after January, appearing in just two of the team’s last 27 games.
The Lakers have emphasized role players who fit within their system, and Goodwin embodies that philosophy. His relentless perimeter defense, hustle plays, and rebounding—grabbing at least one offensive board in 18 of his 19 games—have made him an invaluable asset. The team has signed him to a two-year deal with a team option for 2025–26, providing flexibility moving forward.
Now eligible for the playoffs, Goodwin becomes a key depth piece alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, especially with Gabe Vincent still recovering. His defensive presence will be crucial as the Lakers prepare to face the Western Conference’s top guards.
As for Reddish, the 25-year-old still has the potential to carve out a role elsewhere, but in Los Angeles, the focus has shifted. The Goodwin era is officially underway, and his gritty, team-first approach could be exactly what the Lakers need for a deep postseason run.
When a reporter enquires about figuring out how to play with LeBron, Luka Doncic becomes irritated and leaves.
Luka Doncic addressed the media following the Lakers’ 119-117 loss to the Chicago Bulls. When asked about his chemistry with LeBron James and Austin Reaves, he seemed slightly frustrated, noting that he gets asked the same question after every game. He acknowledged that the chemistry is still developing but emphasized that they haven’t had much practice time together.
“We have to figure out how to play all three together. You guys ask me this after every game, but we’re just trying to figure it out. We haven’t had a lot of practice. I think it’s coming,” Doncic said.
Doncic has only been with the Lakers for about two months since being traded, having joined them in mid-February. His transition was challenging at first, given that he was recovering from the worst injury of his career while adjusting to a new team, coach, and system. However, he has since regained his form, regularly putting up 30-point performances. Against the Bulls, he recorded 25 points (8-22 FG), 10 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks, and a steal, though his shooting struggles kept him from reaching the 30-point mark.
Since joining the Lakers, Doncic has averaged 27.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game while shooting 41.5% from the field, 37.5% from three, and 78.4% from the free-throw line.
Luka Reacts to Heartbreaking Loss
Doncic also reflected on the loss, which came after Josh Giddey’s improbable half-court buzzer-beater. He admitted that these kinds of defeats are particularly tough to process, especially when victory feels within reach. He also pointed out the added difficulty of playing on back-to-back nights.
He compared this loss to a similar experience last season when the Mavericks lost to the Cavaliers on a deep buzzer-beater.
“I mean, it’s like the one I had in Cleveland last year, which was an even crazier shot. It was three-quarters, so just gotta process it. It’s a tough way to lose, but it is what it is.”
Despite the disappointment, the Lakers can’t afford to dwell on the loss, with nine games remaining in the season. Their focus now has to be on winning as many games as possible to improve their 44-29 record and secure a strong playoff position, including crucial matchups against the top-seeded Thunder and second-seeded Rockets.
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