In a recent roster move, the Los Angeles Lakers have officially waived guard Jordan Goodwin, bringing an end to his brief stint with the storied franchise. The decision comes as the team continues to reshape its roster during the offseason, exploring new options as they prepare for the 2025-2026 NBA campaign.
Goodwin, known for his tenacious defense and gritty style of play, joined the Lakers following a series of promising performances during his time with the Washington Wizards and the Phoenix Suns. Although his role in Los Angeles was limited, Goodwin carried a reputation as a hardworking, defensive-minded guard capable of making an impact off the bench. Unfortunately, in the highly competitive environment of the NBA, roster spots are at a premium, and the Lakers ultimately chose to release him to free up flexibility for potential new signings or trade acquisitions.
During his time in the league, Jordan Goodwin has proven he belongs on an NBA court. Standing at 6-foot-3, the undrafted guard out of Saint Louis University first broke into the NBA with the Wizards, impressing fans and coaches alike with his energy, hustle, and defensive instincts. His transition to the Lakers was seen as an opportunity to provide depth in the backcourt, particularly as a defensive stopper against opposing guards.
However, the Lakers have found themselves in a transitional phase. After an up-and-down 2024-2025 season that ended without a deep playoff run, the franchise is in the midst of reshuffling its roster to better position itself for title contention. The Lakers front office, led by General Manager Rob Pelinka, has emphasized the need for versatility, shooting, and veteran leadership—qualities that sometimes leave younger, developing players like Goodwin on the outside looking in.
While Goodwin didn’t log significant minutes in his time with the Lakers, his presence was felt in practice sessions and in the locker room, where teammates and coaches often praised his professionalism and work ethic. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to secure a permanent spot on the team’s regular-season roster.
This move opens up a roster slot for the Lakers, sparking speculation about what their next move might be. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis still anchoring the core of the team, the Lakers are expected to target players who can contribute immediately, whether through free agency or potential trades. Some analysts believe the team is eyeing additional veteran guards or wings who can stretch the floor and provide playoff experience.
As for Goodwin, being waived does not necessarily signal the end of his NBA journey. His defensive skills and relentless motor could easily earn him another shot with a different franchise, especially as teams look to solidify their rotations heading into training camps. At just 25 years old, Goodwin still has room to grow, and there’s little doubt he will continue to pursue opportunities in the league.
For now, the Los Angeles Lakers are moving forward, and Jordan Goodwin will be looking for his next chapter in professional basketball.