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Lakers Waive Struggling Rookie to Open Two-Way Spot for Jordan Goodwin

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Wright | Last updated Feb 8, 2025 12:25 PM ET

Armel Traore’s time with the Lakers has officially come to an end—at least for now.

The 22-year-old rookie appeared in just nine games for L.A., averaging 1.6 points and 1.7 rebounds on 31.6% shooting. And while he showed flashes of potential, the Lakers made the call to waive him on Friday, clearing a two-way roster spot in the process.

Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times broke the news, adding that the Lakers would be interested in keeping Traore around with their G League affiliate if he clears waivers:

"The Lakers have signed G Jordan Goodwin to a two-way deal and waived F Armel Traore. Lakers like Traore and would have interest in keeping him in the building with their G-League team if he clears waivers. Lakers have need for G depth after Christie/Reddish/Knecht trades."

It’s a logical move given the Lakers’ recent roster shakeups. Trading away Max Christie, Cam Reddish, and Dalton Knecht left the backcourt thin, making a two-way deal for Goodwin—an energetic defensive guard—a sensible pickup.

Traore’s Future Remains Unclear

While his NBA minutes were limited, Traore had a solid showing in the G League, averaging 13.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on 51.3% shooting in eight games. At 6-foot-9 with a developing perimeter game (34.4% from three), he’s an intriguing project—one that at least one draft analyst believes is worth a serious look.

Rich Stayman of No Ceilings weighed in on Traore’s upside:

"Someone with lottery intentions should swoop up Armel Traore. I liked him a lot last summer."

That might be a bit of a stretch—Traore is still raw and likely not cracking an NBA rotation anytime soon—but it speaks to the tools he brings to the table. If no team picks him up off waivers, the Lakers would gladly keep him in South Bay to continue his development.

For now, though, Traore's future is up in the air. The Lakers needed guard depth more than another developmental forward, and that’s the reality of the business.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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