Lakers Reward Two-Way Guard with Standard Contract

According to senior NBA insider Chris Haynes, Goodwin’s deal includes a team option for a second year.

Lakers Reward Two-Way Guard with Standard Contract

A Well-Deserved Promotion

Goodwin joined LA in January after being cut from the training camp roster. He has already made an impact in his first few months as a Laker. In 19 games and 20.5 minutes per contest, he has averaged 6.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals on .470/.413/.818 splits.

The former Saint Louis University guard has become a mainstay in JJ Redick’s rotation—in large part due to his effort but also out of necessity. Injuries have ravaged the team after the All-Star break, making Goodwin’s presence pivotal in a variety of situations. The fourth-year combo guard has started five games for the purple and gold, averaging 8.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists in that span. Though he will continue to be productive off the bench, Laker fans will be relieved to know they have a plug-and-play option if any starter misses time in the future.

Goodwin’s defense, in particular, will be critical for a Lakers team that has recently struggled to stop the ball. He has proven his worth as a point-of-attack defender, fitting in nicely alongside veteran Gabe Vincent. Redick recently acknowledged how Goodwin “set the tone” for LA in their Mar. 16 win over the Phoenix Suns.

His shooting improvement is also a sight to behold, as the career 32% three-point shooter is setting career highs in three-point efficiency and volume. Goodwin has already had five games with two or more three-pointers, including a 5/6 showing from distance—for a season-high 17 points—on Mar. 10 against Brooklyn. The young guard has provided a spark plug on both ends of the floor, and his ability to jolt the team out of a shooting slump will be key going forward.

The Last Word on Jordan Goodwin and the Lakers

The purple and gold have once again found a diamond in the rough with Goodwin, speaking to not only the kinds of young players they promote but also the wisdom of their scouting and G League teams that discover their talent. It was only a matter of time before Goodwin got his shot, and there’s no doubt he will impact winning basketball as the Lakers push toward the postseason.