The Lakers have waived Jordan Goodwin, reports ESPN’s Shams Charania (via Twitter). This was done as part of a move to clear cap space to sign Marcus Smart following Smart’s buyout from the Wizards.
The Lakers had recently picked up the $2.3MM team option on Goodwin’s contract, but only $25K of the deal was guaranteed. As the only non-guaranteed contract on the roster following the team’s decision to waive Shake Milton earlier today, Goodwin’s place on the team had become vulnerable once it was clear the Lakers were bringing in Smart on a two-year, $11MM deal that necessitated multiple cost-cutting moves. Smart’s salary for next season is expected to be worth the full bi-annual exception of $5.1MM.
Bobby Marks of ESPN tweets that the move was necessary to get the Lakers below the first apron, which allowed them to make the Smart signing. They will now stay $1MM below the first apron. He adds (via Twitter) that because Goodwin has played in the league for four seasons, he’s ineligible for a two-way deal.
Goodwin played 29 games for the Lakers this season, averaging 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 18.7 minutes per night. He shot 38.2% from three and appeared in four of the five Lakers’ playoff games against the Timberwolves, averaging 7.8 minutes per game in the postseason.
The 26-year-old defensive-minded guard will now hit waivers and then become an unrestricted free agent if no one claims him off waivers, an order determined in reverse order of the 2024/25 NBA standings. The Athletic’s Tony Jones speculated (via Twitter) that Goodwin is likely to have a number of suitors on the open market.
Solid player , hope he finds a home
Yeah surprised that he hasn’t stuck with anyone yet.
He was a casualty of LaBums greed.
You’re a casualty of yourself.
I sometimes wonder if people who hate this much have high blood pressure
Shouldn’t have a problem getting a gig. Defensive minded who can shoot it. I know just the place.
So Smart costs them Goodwin and Milton, both of whom are younger and shoot the three better, and play almost as solid D as Smart at his age. I … don’t think they’re getting better. Reeks of “get my buddy who was good some years ago on the roster or I’ll cause trouble.”
Oh yeah all Smart lols. Milton? OK. When that LBJ contract is done the lakers will improve….just wait and see. Will improve even more if the make a wish kid of his leaves too.