Lakers Finally Make a Move! What Can Jordan Goodwin Bring to the Team?

In a summer that had been notably quiet for the Los Angeles Lakers, the team finally made their first signing by adding 25-year-old guard Jordan Goodwin on an Exhibit 10 contract. The news, broken by insider Chris Haynes, might not have stirred much excitement among Lakers fans, but this small, calculated move could still hold some value for a team with championship aspirations. While the expectations for Goodwin may be tempered, his defensive prowess and the Lakers' specific needs make this signing one worth exploring.

What is an Exhibit 10 Contract?

Before diving into what Goodwin can offer, it’s important to understand the nature of his contract. An Exhibit 10 deal is a training camp contract, but its value is less guaranteed than a standard NBA or even a two-way deal. Players on Exhibit 10 contracts have to prove their worth in camp, and teams must decide whether to convert the deal into a two-way contract or release the player before the start of the regular season.

More often than not, teams sign players to Exhibit 10 contracts with the intent of sending them to their G-League affiliate after camp, providing roster flexibility while evaluating young talent. For Goodwin, this means he has to earn his spot, but the Lakers' depth chart suggests there may be an opening for a gritty, defensive-minded guard, especially as the team prepares for a deep run in the Western Conference.

Who is Jordan Goodwin?

For many Lakers fans, the name Jordan Goodwin might not be immediately recognizable. After all, he went undrafted in 2021 and hasn’t had much exposure outside of his time with the Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies. Standing at 6’3” with a 6’10” wingspan, Goodwin fits the mold of a versatile combo guard capable of playing both on and off the ball. His primary strength lies in his defense—Goodwin is known for his tenacity and hustle, making him a standout on that end of the floor.

However, his offensive game leaves much to be desired. During the 2022-23 season with the Wizards, Goodwin averaged 6.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists over 62 games while shooting 44.8% from the field and 32.2% from three. These numbers don’t scream offensive threat, and his role has often been limited to providing a defensive spark off the bench. For a team like the Lakers, though, defense is always at a premium, and this could be where Goodwin makes his mark.

After being traded to the Phoenix Suns in the deal that sent Bradley Beal to the desert, Goodwin’s situation didn’t improve. He played in 40 games for the Suns, but his offensive struggles continued, with his field goal percentage dropping to 38.9% and his three-point shooting sinking to 28.8%. By the trade deadline, Goodwin was moved to the Brooklyn Nets, who promptly waived him. His next stop was the Memphis Grizzlies, where he signed a series of short-term contracts and played a significant role due to the Grizzlies' injury-riddled season.

For the Grizzlies, Goodwin started 12 of the 17 games he played, averaging 10.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 29.2 minutes per game. His breakout moment came in a game against the Lakers, where he posted 23 points, 17 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals—career highs across the board. Despite Memphis losing that game, it was likely this performance that caught the Lakers’ attention.

Why Did the Lakers Sign Him?

At first glance, it’s easy to dismiss this signing as a minor move, one that doesn’t hold much significance for a team looking to compete for a title. After all, Goodwin’s offensive production has been inconsistent, and his shooting percentages are well below league average. However, the Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, has shown a preference for low-risk, high-reward signings in recent years, often betting on players who can fill specific roles within the team structure.

Goodwin’s skill set fits that mold. The Lakers have been in search of more depth in the backcourt, particularly when it comes to defensive-minded players. The team already boasts star power with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but they’ve been more successful when surrounding their stars with role players who can contribute in specific ways, particularly on defense.

While Goodwin’s offensive game might not be polished, his ability to defend multiple positions could make him valuable off the bench. His wingspan allows him to guard both point guards and shooting guards, and his defensive metrics have been respectable, even on teams where he’s played limited minutes. In today’s NBA, perimeter defense is critical, especially for a team like the Lakers that must contend with high-powered offenses in the Western Conference.

Beyond defense, another potential reason for this signing is the financial flexibility it provides. Goodwin’s Exhibit 10 contract is low-cost and low-risk, allowing the Lakers to evaluate him during training camp without committing significant cap space. If Goodwin performs well, the team can convert his contract to a two-way deal, giving them another option for guard depth without having to dip into their limited resources.

The Bigger Picture: Lakers' Offseason Strategy

This signing also reflects the Lakers’ overall strategy this offseason, which has been marked by a lack of big-name acquisitions. While many fans were hoping for a splashy signing in free agency, the Lakers have focused more on internal development and bringing back key players from last year’s roster. Re-signing Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and D’Angelo Russell were all priorities, but the team has yet to make any major moves in the open market.

For a team with championship aspirations, this cautious approach might seem frustrating. The Western Conference is stacked, and the Lakers are banking on improvement from within, particularly from younger players like Max Christie and Gabe Vincent. Goodwin’s signing fits into this theme of “low-risk” additions—he isn’t expected to transform the team, but if he can carve out a role, he could provide valuable minutes in a long season.

Of course, there’s always the possibility that Goodwin won’t make the final roster. Exhibit 10 contracts are often used as a way to get players into camp and eventually onto a team’s G-League affiliate. The Lakers may have signed Goodwin with the intention of assigning him to the South Bay Lakers, where he can develop further in the hopes of making an eventual impact. If that’s the case, this signing would be more about long-term potential than immediate results.

Can Goodwin Stick with the Lakers?

For Goodwin, the challenge now is to prove that he deserves a spot on the Lakers' roster. The competition for backcourt minutes will be fierce, with Reaves, Vincent, Russell, and even Christie all likely to play significant roles. However, if Goodwin can show that his defensive abilities can translate into meaningful contributions, he may find a niche as a defensive specialist in specific matchups.

One area where Goodwin could potentially contribute is as a rebounding guard. His ability to crash the boards was on full display during his time with Memphis, particularly in that standout game against the Lakers. The Lakers have sometimes struggled with rebounding, particularly from the guard position, and adding a player like Goodwin who has a nose for the ball could help alleviate some of those concerns.

Another key factor will be whether Goodwin can improve his shooting. In today’s NBA, even defensive specialists need to be at least respectable from beyond the arc. Goodwin’s three-point shooting has been a liability throughout his career, and if he wants to secure a spot with the Lakers, he’ll need to prove that he can knock down open shots when given the opportunity.

In the end, Jordan Goodwin’s path to making an impact on the Lakers will come down to his ability to showcase his defensive skills and make strides on the offensive end. The odds may be stacked against him, but the Lakers have found value in players who were initially overlooked before. For now, fans shouldn’t expect too much from this signing, but in a long NBA season, unexpected contributors can emerge, and Goodwin will be looking to be one of those surprises.