The Los Angeles Lakers have officially waived guard Jordan Goodwin, according to sources close to ESPN, marking a surprising but calculated shift in roster priorities as the team prepares for the arrival of veteran guard Marcus Smart. This decision also coincided with the release of Shake Milton, another rotational piece, as the Lakers reshuffle their backcourt depth in anticipation of a new strategic direction under newly appointed head coach JJ Redick. The move signals not only the front office’s commitment to defensive intensity and veteran leadership but also the harsh realities of NBA roster construction in a high-stakes market like Los Angeles.
Jordan Goodwin’s release stands out due to the role he played in the second half of last season. After a modest start to his Lakers tenure, Goodwin emerged as a significant part of the team’s backcourt rotation, particularly under the guidance of JJ Redick, who took over coaching duties midway through the season. Redick, a former sharpshooter and cerebral student of the game, found in Goodwin a tough-nosed, defensively inclined guard who brought effort and intensity to the floor every night. Despite not being the flashiest player on the roster, Goodwin’s work ethic and energy were undeniable, traits that often led to him being entrusted with key defensive assignments against some of the league’s best perimeter threats.
Goodwin played in 29 regular season games for the Lakers last season, averaging modest statistical outputs but contributing in ways that didn’t always show up in the box score. His hustle on loose balls, willingness to take charges, and commitment to team defense made him a valuable asset during a turbulent season for the Lakers. Redick frequently praised Goodwin’s approach, citing him as a player who exemplified the grit and tenacity the Lakers needed down the stretch. In the postseason, Goodwin appeared in four playoff games, often tasked with guarding opposing lead guards in spot minutes. His presence, while limited in terms of scoring, provided a defensive boost and occasional bursts of momentum, particularly when the Lakers needed a jolt of energy.
Yet, in the cold world of NBA economics and team-building, intangible contributions can sometimes be outweighed by the need for experience, versatility, and positional upgrades. Marcus Smart’s impending arrival made it clear that the Lakers were eyeing a more seasoned defensive specialist, someone who not only brings toughness but also a proven track record of leadership and playoff experience. Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, immediately elevates the Lakers’ perimeter defense and brings a level of floor generalship that Goodwin, in all fairness, has not yet attained in his young career.
The Lakers’ decision to waive both Goodwin and Milton was not simply about clearing cap space but also about consolidating talent. With the Western Conference growing more competitive each season, the Lakers have little room for developmental gambles. They are in win-now mode, especially with LeBron James extending his contract and entering what could be his final push for another championship. Adding a player like Smart, who has deep playoff experience and the ability to galvanize a locker room, aligns with that timeline more directly than keeping younger, unproven guards—even ones who had shown promise like Goodwin.
For Goodwin, the release doesn’t spell the end of the road. If anything, it may open up new opportunities. His late-season surge with the Lakers put him on the radar of other teams around the league, especially those in need of backcourt depth and defensive-minded guards who can buy into a team-first system. At just 25 years old, Goodwin has room to grow, and his high motor and adaptable mindset make him a strong candidate for teams rebuilding or looking to solidify their bench rotations. It’s possible that he’ll find himself back in the league soon, perhaps with a team that values his particular skill set more highly or one that’s in a different phase of competitive development.
There’s also a personal element to the story of Goodwin’s release. For many fringe rotation players, the journey through the NBA is filled with unpredictability and few guarantees. Contracts can be non-guaranteed, minutes can be sporadic, and even a strong finish to a season doesn’t necessarily guarantee job security. That’s the nature of professional basketball at the highest level—cutthroat, unsentimental, and constantly shifting. Goodwin’s experience is a stark reminder of the fragile footing many players stand on, even after earning the trust of a coaching staff and producing when given the opportunity.
In Redick’s system, which emphasizes ball movement, spacing, and collective defensive buy-in, Goodwin appeared to be a natural fit. He wasn’t relied upon for scoring but instead tasked with setting screens, initiating quick ball reversals, and picking up full court when necessary. His intensity often matched that of the moment, especially in games where the Lakers needed defensive stops more than points. And yet, in spite of those contributions, roster logistics demanded a different route. The arrival of Marcus Smart offers a similar energy profile—defensive grit, toughness, unselfishness—but in a more experienced, decorated package.
Smart’s acquisition also sends a message to the locker room about the organization’s commitment to winning and the types of players they value. Shake Milton, much like Goodwin, found himself on the wrong side of this message—not because of a lack of talent, but because of how the puzzle pieces needed to align around cornerstone stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. While Milton brought a bit more offensive creation and shot-making ability than Goodwin, the Lakers clearly felt that the intangibles Smart offers would be more valuable down the stretch of a playoff push.
As for Goodwin, the narrative is far from finished. With his skill set, it would be surprising if he didn’t catch on with another NBA franchise before the season begins. His defensive effort, team-first mentality, and willingness to play his role without complaint are the types of qualities that coaches often rave about. In an era where defense can sometimes be a secondary consideration, Goodwin still represents a throwback to gritty, defensive-minded guard play. That alone should make him appealing to teams in need of backcourt stability and accountability.
For the Lakers, the decision underscores the high-wire act they must walk each season: building a team that can contend now, appease star players, and still maintain enough flexibility to adapt. Waiving a player like Goodwin is not a reflection of failure on his part but rather an acknowledgment that priorities shift, sometimes rapidly, in the pursuit of championship viability. JJ Redick, still navigating his transition from broadcaster to head coach, likely had to weigh the emotional side of this decision as well—letting go of a player who helped stabilize his debut season, even in limited fashion, is never easy. But Redick, now charged with meeting high expectations in Los Angeles, has to operate with a business mindset, one that aligns with the organization’s championship goals.
