Why Lakers must convert Jordan Goodwin to a standard contract
The Los Angeles Lakers have seen the emergence of Jordan Goodwin as an important role player. Goodwin signed a two-way contract with the Lakers on February 7th and has quickly cemented himself as a key player off the bench.
Let’s dive into why LA must sign him to a standard contract.
JORDAN GOODWIN APPRECIATION POST.
CASH!!!!! pic.twitter.com/mc8mlfFuqe
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) February 23, 2025
Goodwin’s impact
Goodwin has come in and had an immediate impact as a defender and rebounder for the Lakers. The 26-year-old makes all of the little plays and is a connector in units alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
Goodwin is averaging 7/4/1 with a steal per game on 58/40/100 shooting splits. While Goodwin’s efficiency will likely drop at some point, his impact on the defensive end of the floor and ability to crash the floor should earn him a roster spot.
Jordan Goodwin is on a two-way (not playoff eligible). The Lakers can convert him to a standard contract before, for the postseason but would need to cut someone first (presumably Cam Reddish). LA can do a two-year deal. He can be on the active roster for 19 total games as a TW
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) February 23, 2025
Playoff implications
If the Lakers do not convert Goodwin to a standard contract, he will be ineligible to play in the playoffs. Two-way players can not play in postseason games.
Goodwin has earned the 10th spot in the rotation, even getting fourth-quarter minutes against the Denver Nuggets. That shows JJ Redick’s level of trust in him.
While it’s clear he is deserving of a roster spot, the Lakers will need to cut a player to do it. Players like Cam Reddish and Markieff Morris are candidates to be released to make way for Goodwin.
Although LA should convert him to a standard contract before the playoffs, they don’t need to do so yet. The longer the Lakers wait, the better, as they will be able to sign Goodwin on a cheaper pro-rated minimum.
LA can sign Goodwin to a two-year pro-rated minimum contract, which could not only help them on the upcoming playoff run but also have a cheap impact player on the roster for next season.
The partnership of Rob Pelinka and Redick has been great this season. Pelinka has made moves, headlined by the acquisitions of Doncic and Dorian Finney-Smtih. However, he has also found steals like Goodwin on a two-way deal.
Redick has also done a phenomenal job of defining roles for each player in the rotation and emphasizing player development from the G-League to role players to stars.
Signing Goodwin to a standard deal should only be a matter of time.
