Jordan Goodwin Could Be Key to Filling Lakers’ Defensive Void
Jordan Goodwin might emerge as one of the Lakers’ most vital acquisitions of the season.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been actively trying to address a gap in their rotation. While the addition of superstar Luka Doncic alleviates some of the pressure, it doesn’t completely resolve a problem that’s persisted over the past two years.
With Doncic and Austin Reaves providing substantial offensive strength, the Lakers can manage some of their concerns. However, the glaring need for backcourt defense still remains.
The Lakers had hoped that Gabe Vincent could help fill this void when they signed him to a three-year, $33 million deal in 2023. However, Vincent missed 71 games during the 2023-24 season, and his inconsistency on both sides of the ball has made it difficult for him to provide the value they expected in 2024-25.
As reported by Matthew Valento of Lakers Nation, the Lakers’ latest signing, Jordan Goodwin, believes his role is to offer the consistency that has been lacking.
“I think that was kind of understood during training camp, that’s why they brought me in,” Goodwin said. “I’m a defender. When I’m out there, I take the matchups myself. That’s just who I am.”
Goodwin went on to highlight his offensive versatility, emphasizing his ability to play multiple positions.
“As for my game, defense is my priority,” he explained. “On offense, I can play the 1 through 3, sometimes the 4 in pick-and-rolls. I’ve worked on my shot this year, especially my three-point shooting. I’m someone who can contribute at any position on both ends. I’m not a liability offensively, and definitely not on defense.”
Goodwin is currently on a two-way contract, and while his future with the team may still be uncertain, the value he brings is already clear, just as it was during training camp.
Jordan Goodwin Offers the Two-Way Play the Lakers Need
Goodwin, 26, has spent parts of four NBA seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns. During the 2023-24 season, he played 57 games in total, earning a reputation as a strong defender.
In the 17 games he played with Memphis, Goodwin averaged 10.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.8 offensive boards, and 1.5 steals per game.
The main criticism of Goodwin has been his three-point shooting, with a career average of just 31.1 percent. However, he has worked hard on improving his shooting, and early signs suggest progress.
Goodwin has hit a three-pointer in each of his first three games with the Lakers in 2024-25, signaling that he may develop into a reliable 3-and-D player.
If Goodwin can maintain the form he showed in Memphis and add a dependable three-point shot to his game, he could become an invaluable asset. He would provide strong defensive play alongside either Doncic or Reaves, with the ability to space the floor and crash the boards.
If Goodwin and Vincent manage to build chemistry, the Lakers could finally create the deep second unit they’ve been striving for.
This may be a somewhat optimistic view after only three games in purple and gold, but considering the difficulty the Lakers have had in developing depth in 2024-25, Goodwin offers a rare chance to find legitimate two-way value off the bench.
If Goodwin can keep up his current performance, the Lakers will become a more balanced and deeper team, taking a big step toward becoming a serious contender.
