Lakers guard Jordan Goodwin has become nothing short of a revelation for the purple and gold. Signed to a two-way contract in February, the 26-year-old has averaged 6.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 13 games, all on .493/.438/.667 shooting splits. However, despite his strong play, Goodwin’s contract limits his appearances with LA, an issue that head coach JJ Redick recently addressed.
Lakers News: JJ Redick Comments on Jordan Goodwin Dilemma
Redick: Goodwin’s Situation is “Very Complicated”
The first-year head coach discussed Goodwin’s current situation ahead of LA’s game against the San Antonio Spurs Monday night. Redick’s answer was in response to Orange County Register writer Khobi Price.
“It’s very complicated because he’s really earned the trust of the coaching staff. But this is unfortunately the nature of the two-way contracts and having a full roster. So again, it’s something, similar to Trey (Jemison), we’re just gonna manage. I think with guys being out, we can’t really afford to have him out of the rotation right now and then we’ll see as we get healthy.”
Per @khobi_price, Jordan Goodwin only has around 7 games left on his two-way contract, so he asked JJ Redick how they will manage that considering he is part of the rotation:
"It's very complicated because he's really earned the trust of the coaching staff. But this is…
— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) March 18, 2025
Redick’s remarks come shortly after Goodwin made his second start of the year, when he recorded two points, three rebounds, two blocks and an assist in 28 minutes against the Suns on Sunday. Despite his otherwise meager numbers, Redick heaped praise on the newest Lakers guard for setting the tone defensively.
“Never judge a player based solely on his box score,” Redick said Sunday. “Jordan Goodwin was incredible tonight and he had two points and four fouls. He set the tone for us. They’re an incredibly difficult team to guard.”
Jordan Goodwin's defense on Booker pic.twitter.com/iGp7bcejSY
— Lakers Empire (@LakersEmpire) March 16, 2025
Goodwin is Paramount for the Lakers
Goodwin is the latest in a long line of success stories for the Lakers. His defense has fit right into the team’s scheme—particularly against the league’s elite players—and his offense has helped the shorthanded roster tremendously. His effort has been enough for Redick to give him a rotation spot this late into the season, a bold and laudable move that has paid dividends given the current situation.
At the time of writing, Goodwin will start his third straight game Monday night against the Spurs. The most games he has started in a season is 12, a mark he reached last year with the Memphis Grizzlies. He will not reach that mark this time around, but he’s proven he can slide into the starting lineup and be a positive presence for LA.
By now, there is no doubt Goodwin has paid his dues and earned a standard contract with the purple and gold. However, one question to consider is how his current trajectory would impact other rotational guards, namely Gabe Vincent, who has stepped up as a veteran backup this year. At first glance, when healthy, it seems Goodwin’s emergence could negatively impact Vincent and his minutes. However, the duo has learned to coexist together so far. In 11 games and nine minutes per contest, they combined for an average of 21 points and 4.4 assists on .459/.349/.842 splits. Whether the pair could really thrive together remains to be seen, but Goodwin’s emergence next to Vincent could lead to either backcourt harmony or some healthy competition once LA is at full strength.
The Lakers are running out of time to make a decision on Goodwin’s contract, but his recent performances should be convincing enough for Rob Pelinka to give him a guaranteed deal.
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
