Lakers 2024-25 Player Grades: Jordan Goodwin
Unexpected Arrival, Immediate Impact
Jordan Goodwin was an unexpected addition to the Lakers but made an immediate impact. Signed to a two-way contract just before the All-Star break, Goodwin quickly found himself in the rotation due to lingering team injuries and Luka Dončić still adjusting after his midseason arrival.
Seizing the opportunity, Goodwin impressed early with his high-energy play, particularly on the defensive end. His rebounding — both offensive and defensive — stood out for a guard his size, and he brought a relentless hustle and physicality that rarely shows up on the stat sheet.
JORDAN GOODWIN TONIGHT
15 POINTS
3 STEALS
1 BLOCK
6/9 FG
3/6 3FGWE GOT HIM FOR FREE‼️ pic.twitter.com/xohPHO28ld
— Lane 😶🌫️ (@CookedByLane) March 18, 2025
Carving Out a Role
All in all, Goodwin maximized his minutes, and head coach J.J. Redick appeared to trust him as a steady presence during a stretch when the team was still finding its rhythm. He carved out a niche as a gritty, defense-first player who wasn’t afraid to do the dirty work.
Flashes of Offensive Potential
While his primary value came on the defensive side of the ball, Goodwin also made the most of his scoring chances. In his two best offensive outings with the Lakers, he dropped 17 points in each contest, shooting over 70% from the field and over 60% from three.
Admittedly, those performances came against weaker opponents — the Utah Jazz and Brooklyn Nets — but for a two-way player transitioning from the G League and sharing the court with ball-dominant stars like LeBron James and Luka Dončić, those games were proof of his offensive potential when called upon.
Final Grade: B
Goodwin gave the team solid minutes all season, but like most of the Lakers’ bench, he saw less playing time once the playoffs rolled around. Still, his durability and consistent availability stood out — he missed very few games, which is a valuable trait in a long NBA season.
Given the limited opportunities, Goodwin made the most of his time on the court, showcasing the kind of energy, effort, and reliability that teams need from their supporting cast. There’s a lot to like about what he brought to the table, and the Lakers would be wise to continue developing him.
With further growth, Goodwin could become a dependable two-way contributor who complements the team’s stars on both ends of the floor.
