Aside from getting another season of LeBron James, the Lakers earned another win by keeping a standout guard. The front office picked up the $2.3 million team option on Jordan Goodwin, who thrived in the G League and played his way to a guaranteed contract last season.
Lakers Exercise Team Option on G League Success Story
Background
Goodwin, who played for three teams in as many years from 2021 to 2024, joined the Lakers in February on a two-way contract, a vital signing in the wake of the trade for Luka Doncic. In the month and change he was on that deal, Goodwin averaged 6.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.2 steals on .481/.429/.818 splits. On the whole (29 games, five starts), he put up 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists and one steal per game. He did so on 43% shooting from the field, 38% from three and 81% from the free-throw line.
The 26-year-old showed tremendous effort on both ends from the jump, at one point starting for LA in the midst of injuries. One of his best performances came in his second game with the franchise: a season-high 17 points and eight rebounds against the Utah Jazz.
When the Lakers eventually inked Goodwin to a guaranteed contract, head coach JJ Redick had high praise for the undrafted guard:
“Just his competitive spirit, his toughness. I joked with him this 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 really good basketball for us. We’re confident in him.”
Throughout the first season in LA, Goodwin displayed tenacious defense with a knack for scoring and facilitating, his versatility becoming huge for an otherwise depleted bench. He was far from alone in earning a well-deserved promotion, as 26 two-way players had their contracts guaranteed in 2024-25.
Jordan Goodwin’s Potential Role with the Lakers
It’s worth noting that Goodwin’s contract is “lightly guaranteed,” with LA having until Jan. 10, 2026 to decide on his fate for the year. Goodwin’s role won’t be determined until after free agency, but he could very well continue his impact as a 3-and-D player off the bench. The Lakers have needed players who can succeed at the little things; Goodwin excelled in that category over the course of his campaign. With the team prioritizing player development, there’s no doubt he can reprise his efforts and earn a rotation spot next season.
Minor Transaction Could Reap Major Benefits
Considering the Lakers’ financial plight following LeBron’s decision, re-signing Goodwin was vital for the front office. They have locked a young player in on another prove-it type of deal while facing a tight budget this summer. If Goodwin can enhance his production and become a mainstay in Redick’s rotation, his contract could look like another steal for the purple and gold.
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