Jordan Goodwin contract headlines are making waves after a pivotal move by the Los Angeles Lakers. Within the first 20 words, the jordan goodwin contract became critical to the Lakers’ roster shakeup, impacting the guard’s career and the team’s salary strategy as of July 21, 2025.
Lakers Shift Direction with Goodwin’s Deal
The Los Angeles Lakers have officially waived guard Jordan Goodwin to create roster and salary space for the incoming Marcus Smart. Goodwin’s journey with the team had been a highlight, with his standard NBA contract and team option for 2025-26 being exercised just weeks prior. That contract promised a lightly guaranteed $2.3 million salary for the new season, but the latest move signals an abrupt change in the Lakers’ backcourt plans.
Key Points Summary
- Goodwin’s $2.3M contract was guaranteed for the 2025-26 season.
- Lakers exercised the team option in June 2025, providing Goodwin a clear path.
- On July 21, 2025, Goodwin was waived to clear salary room for Marcus Smart.
- Lakers are now about $1 million under the NBA’s first tax apron.
- Goodwin’s stint saw him become a dependable rotational piece, raising his market value.
Jordan Goodwin Contract Terms
Jordan Goodwin’s contract with the Lakers was a two-year minimum deal, signed during the 2024-25 season after an impressive stretch on a two-way deal. The contract included a partial guarantee—$25,000 protected salary for 2025-26—and a team option that the Lakers picked up in late June 2025. His earnings and guarantees were detailed as follows:
| Season | Base Salary | Guaranteed | Team Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | $1,223,718 | $223,718 | No | Converted to standard deal |
| 2025-26 | $2,349,578 | $25,000 | Yes (exercised) | Waived July 21, 2025 |
Despite the guarantee, waiving Goodwin frees Lakers’ cap for offseason maneuvers, showcasing NBA business realities.
Goodwin’s Value to Los Angeles
Jordan Goodwin’s impact on the Lakers extended far beyond the numbers on his contract. Elevated from the G League’s South Bay Lakers, he averaged 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while providing relentless effort in 29 games during the 2024-25 regular season. Goodwin also shot a career-best 38.2% from three-point range and contributed meaningfully in both regular season and playoff minutes.
Key highlights of Goodwin’s Lakers tenure:
- Signed to a two-way contract in February 2025, then quickly promoted to a standard NBA deal.
- Earned trust for his defense, rebounding, and ability to knock down open shots.
- Appeared in four postseason games, further cementing his NBA credentials.
- Provided a bench spark and became a respected locker-room presence.
What’s Next for Jordan Goodwin?
Although his contract with the Lakers was recently severed, Jordan Goodwin is now an unrestricted free agent and may draw significant interest across the NBA. Teams seeking an energetic guard with proven versatility could see Goodwin as an appealing option. With the Lakers needing to open space for Marcus Smart, Goodwin’s exit leaves him available for teams looking for hustle, defense, and three-point shooting off the bench.
Here’s a quick “Stock Watch” for teams considering Goodwin:
- Strengths: Perimeter defense, rebounding, improved three-point range, high character
- Potential Roles: Backup point guard, defensive specialist, spark plug reserve
- Market Value: Affordable, minimum-salary range, with proven production
The Business of NBA Contracts
The sudden shift in the jordan goodwin contract situation underscores the business side of NBA roster management. For the Lakers, making moves for star additions like Marcus Smart can come at the cost of valued contributors. For Goodwin, being waived allows for a fresh start and a chance to explore new opportunities at a pivotal point in his career.
It’s a reminder that contract terms may set expectations, but the unfolding of a player’s NBA story is rarely predictable.
If you’ve been tracking the Lakers or following Jordan Goodwin’s journey, share your thoughts and predictions in the comments! Stay tuned for further updates as his next chapter unfolds.