The Los Angeles Lakers have finally made an offseason move, albeit a minor one.
NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that the Lakers signed Jordan Goodwin to a training camp deal.
Goodwin, a former teammate of Bradley Beal in Washington and Phoenix, is considered Beal’s protégé. Their friendship began when Goodwin played for Beal’s AAU team in St. Louis. Although the Lakers’ roster is currently full, Goodwin could join the Lakers’ G League team if he impresses in training camp or manages to displace a player on a two-way contract.
Currently, second-year center Colin Castleton, undrafted rookie wings Blake Hinson, and French prospect Armel Traoré hold the Lakers’ two-way deals.
Jordan Goodwin’s Journey Under Bradley Beal’s Mentorship
After going undrafted in 2021, the 6-foot-4 Goodwin initially joined the Washington Wizards’ Summer League team and later their G League team after being waived. He eventually transitioned from a 10-day contract to a two-way deal before securing a multi-year contract with the Wizards, reuniting with Beal.
In his first full season with the Wizards, Goodwin averaged 6.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. He was later included in the trade that sent Beal to the Suns. In 40 games as a reserve for the Suns last season, Goodwin posted averages of 5.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 14 minutes.
Goodwin and Beal parted ways at the February trade deadline when the Suns traded Goodwin to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team deal involving the Memphis Grizzlies for Royce O’Neale.
“I’ve known J Good since he was a teenager,” Beal said when Goodwin was traded. “It’s definitely surreal in some ways, but we’ve talked about this in DC. No matter where you are, prove yourself and stay true to who you are. I’m excited about his new opportunity.
It’s tough not having him here, but business is business. He understands it, I understand it, and I hope he finds his footing and is ready when his time comes.” Emerging from the Shadows
After spending the first two years of his NBA career as a backup to Beal, Goodwin found himself stepping up with increased playing time for the injury-riddled Grizzlies.
Following his waiver by the Nets, the Grizzlies picked up Goodwin, signing him to a 10-day contract that was later converted to a two-way deal.
Goodwin averaged 10 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals in 17 games, including 12 starts, for the Grizzlies to close out the season.
However, the Grizzlies chose not to re-sign him.
Goodwin’s main obstacle to becoming a consistent NBA rotation player is his lack of an outside shot, as he’s shooting just 30.8% from beyond the arc in 121 NBA games—a crucial skill for a modern point guard.
The Lakers’ current point guard rotation is somewhat lacking, with only D’Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent as natural point guards in their projected lineup. Second-year Jalen Hood-Schifino and rookie Bronny James are considered developmental projects.