The Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of another transformational offseason, and as usual, every move they make is scrutinized under the brightest spotlight in professional basketball. This time, the buzz surrounds the reported waiving of guard Jordan Goodwin, alongside Shake Milton, a decision aimed at clearing cap space and opening up the full Bi-Annual Exception (BAE) for the acquisition of veteran guard Marcus Smart. Though this move might seem minor on the surface, it represents much more than just a financial maneuver. It underscores the Lakers’ evolving roster philosophy, signals a renewed urgency to win now, and highlights the unforgiving reality of the NBA as a business. Understanding the significance of these transactions requires an appreciation of the players involved, the intricacies of NBA roster building, and the championship ambitions that drive every decision in Los Angeles.
Jordan Goodwin may not be a household name in NBA circles, but his journey is emblematic of the many underdog stories that fill the league’s locker rooms. A tenacious defender with a relentless motor, Goodwin carved out a niche for himself through grit and hard work. After going undrafted in 2021 out of Saint Louis University, where he was a standout two-way player, Goodwin had to fight his way into the league through the G League. His big break came with the Washington Wizards, who eventually gave him his first meaningful NBA minutes. Goodwin impressed with his defense, rebounding ability as a guard, and his hustle plays—intangibles that don’t always show up in box scores but win over coaches and teammates alike.
In the 2023-2024 season, Goodwin was part of the trade package that sent Bradley Beal to Phoenix and later found himself on the Lakers roster, competing for backup guard minutes. Although he didn’t have the most prolific statistical season, Goodwin’s value often came in spurts—guarding opposing scorers, injecting energy off the bench, and occasionally hitting timely shots. However, in a league where contracts, cap space, and roster flexibility are paramount, being a good locker room presence and an average rotational player often isn’t enough. The NBA rewards elite skill sets and punishes the replaceable.
Shake Milton, too, shares a similar story of a player fighting to stay relevant in a league flooded with talent. Known for his scoring ability and having once flashed great potential with the Philadelphia 76ers, Milton struggled with consistency over the last two seasons. His offensive production dipped, and he had trouble securing a steady role in Minnesota before bouncing around. While he showed flashes of shot creation and playmaking, his defense and inconsistency relegated him to the fringes of most rotations. For the Lakers, keeping Milton would have meant investing in a player who offered very little upside compared to the potential cap space that could be created.
Their waivers were not about personal shortcomings but about a greater strategic pivot for the Lakers. With the Western Conference becoming more competitive and LeBron James entering what many expect to be the twilight of his legendary career, the Lakers front office knew they had to make impactful moves. Incremental progress or standing pat wouldn’t suffice. Adding Marcus Smart to the fold addresses a clear need—perimeter defense, leadership, toughness, and playoff experience. But to afford him, they had to clear the full Bi-Annual Exception, which is where the decision to waive Goodwin and Milton came into play.
The Bi-Annual Exception is a quirky but valuable part of the NBA’s salary cap structure. It allows teams to sign a player to a mid-level contract—just below the Mid-Level Exception—but it comes with its own limitations. Most notably, a team can only use the BAE once every two years and must stay under the hard cap after utilizing it. The BAE this offseason is worth approximately \$4.7 million, and for a team tight on cap flexibility like the Lakers, using the full BAE requires creating room by trimming the roster, even if that means cutting players like Goodwin and Milton.
Marcus Smart is more than worth the cost-cutting. The 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year brings a tenacity and fire that instantly reshapes team culture. After spending his entire career with the Boston Celtics before being traded to Memphis, Smart’s identity is rooted in grit, leadership, and versatility. His ability to defend multiple positions, initiate offense, and make hustle plays is unparalleled among guards. For the Lakers, who often relied too heavily on aging veterans or inconsistent bench production, Smart is a jolt of both energy and competence. He doesn’t just fill a role—he elevates a standard.
Smart’s arrival also addresses a gap that has been evident since the Lakers’ 2020 championship run. That roster, built around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, was fortified with defensive stalwarts like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Alex Caruso, and Rajon Rondo. Since then, Los Angeles has struggled to replicate that level of defensive synergy and physicality in the backcourt. Smart immediately provides that identity, allowing the Lakers to throw out defensively stout lineups that can switch, pressure ball-handlers, and close games with purpose.
But the Lakers aren’t just thinking about defense. With LeBron assuming a more off-ball role as he ages, and Anthony Davis continuing to face questions about durability, the team needed another floor leader who could take pressure off the stars. Smart, despite being best known for his defense, has proven to be a capable secondary ball-handler and shot creator. In his last season in Boston, he averaged over six assists per game and frequently closed games as the Celtics’ lead playmaker. That skill set is invaluable in a postseason setting, where half-court execution and decision-making often decide outcomes.
The waiving of Goodwin and Milton may sting for some fans who admired their grit and occasional flashes, but it underscores a simple truth about the NBA: it is a cutthroat business. Teams aren’t just building rosters—they’re building philosophies. The Lakers are betting that investing in proven commodities like Marcus Smart is a better path to contention than giving minutes to developmental guards or role players without elite traits. For players like Goodwin and Milton, this isn’t the end of the road—both have shown enough to likely earn another shot elsewhere. But for the Lakers, it’s about the bigger picture.
There’s also an important cultural dimension to this move. Marcus Smart isn’t just any veteran; he’s a tone-setter. His tenure in Boston was defined by accountability, locker room leadership, and toughness. He called out teammates when necessary, held himself to a high standard, and earned the respect of one of the most demanding fanbases in sports. Bringing that kind of ethos to a Lakers locker room that has at times struggled with inconsistency and internal cohesion could be game-changing. Smart’s leadership could be particularly beneficial for younger players like Austin Reaves and Jalen Hood-Schifino, who are still learning the NBA game. Learning next to a player who exemplifies professionalism and sacrifice is invaluable.
Financially, this move signals the Lakers are done experimenting with the fringes of the roster and are ready to fully commit to building a top-heavy team with reliable depth. They’re not searching for hidden gems on minimum deals anymore—they want contributors who can help win playoff games right now. The decision to waive Goodwin and Milton, while painful in its human impact, represents a pivot toward clarity and purpose in roster building.
There’s also something to be said about timing. Making this move in mid-July gives Smart a full offseason to acclimate, participate in team activities, and build chemistry. Unlike last year, when the Lakers had to onboard several pieces mid-season, this approach is proactive. It’s designed to reduce early-season hiccups and maximize continuity heading into a grueling Western Conference gauntlet.
Zooming out, this sequence of moves speaks volumes about where the Lakers see themselves in the league’s hierarchy. Denver, Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Minnesota have all made moves to strengthen their position, and with Golden State potentially retooling, the West is deeper than ever. The Lakers cannot afford to be passive. Every slot on the 15-man roster must serve a purpose. Marcus Smart checks several boxes at once. That’s what makes the clearing of the BAE so crucial—it’s not just a transaction, it’s a philosophical alignment.
Let’s also not forget the LeBron James factor. Though he has shown no signs of slowing down, James’ window to compete at a high level is closing. He turns 41 next season, and while he remains a marvel of conditioning and performance, Father Time is undefeated. The Lakers are clearly operating with a sense of urgency. They cannot afford to punt on seasons, hoping for internal growth or midseason chemistry. Moves like this one are calculated steps toward making the most of LeBron’s final years, maximizing every dollar and every minute of playing time.
Critics may argue that waiving two players just to sign one is a marginal upgrade at best, but that interpretation ignores the realities of postseason basketball. The playoffs are about matchups, rotations, and mental toughness. Smart brings all three. Goodwin and Milton, for all their potential and moments, were unlikely to play meaningful minutes in May or June. Smart, on the other hand, could be on the floor to close playoff games against the likes of Devin Booker, Jamal Murray, or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. That difference matters.
In terms of long-term planning, this move also allows the Lakers to maintain flexibility. By using the BAE smartly, they avoid deeper entanglement with the hard cap while still acquiring high-impact talent. It’s a balancing act that Lakers GM Rob Pelinka has often struggled with in the past, but this offseason shows signs of calculated maturity. There’s a clear direction now—a blend of experienced defenders, capable playmakers, and high-IQ veterans surrounding their stars.
For fans of Jordan Goodwin and Shake Milton, this may feel like a raw deal. And in many ways, it is. Both players are professionals who worked tirelessly for their shot. They did everything asked of them, and yet were let go not due to performance, but to make room for a better fit. That’s the brutal truth of the NBA—it’s a league where timing, opportunity, and circumstance often dictate careers more than talent alone. Hopefully, both find homes where they can thrive.
In the end, this is a win-now move by a win-now franchise. The Lakers have no illusions about their championship window—it’s open, but barely. Every move must serve the mission of getting back to the Finals. Waiving Jordan Goodwin and Shake Milton is not about disrespect or undervaluing their contributions. It’s about constructing a team with the tools to survive the postseason wars and deliver one more banner to the rafters of Crypto.com Arena. Marcus Smart, for all he’s done in Boston and Memphis, now has the chance to help write that final chapter in purple and gold.
