When you got the notification you probably did not blink when the Los Angeles Lakers signed Marcus Smart. Big name, big defense, makes sense.
What you might have missed was the quiet move that made that signing possible, which was cutting Jordan Goodwin. That is the one move this offseason that could come back to haunt the Lakers.
The heartfelt departure of Jordan Goodwin
Goodwin was not a bonafide superstar. He did not dominate the box score, but he mattered, especially to the Lake Show fanbase. He brought real energy off the bench, played defense like his life depended on it, and earned a spot in JJ Redick’s rotation the hard way, through grit, hustle, consistency, and a whole ton of heart.
Now, sadly, his bags are packed. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Goodwin is headed to the Phoenix Suns, a team the Lakers will see at least a few times every season.
The Lakers signed Smart using their bi-annual exception. The problem was since they were hard-capped at the first apron, they had to clear space.
Waiving Shake Milton helped. Waiving Goodwin finished the job. The decision to do this was not about talent, it was about making the math work. Still, that does not make it sting any less.
It hurts because Goodwin gave the Lakers exactly what they lacked for stretches last season, which was having toughness and putting in effort. In just under 19 minutes a night, he averaged 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.0 steal.
More importantly, he played like his job was on the line, and that edge became contagious. He was a fan favorite, and for good reason.
Pleasant silver lining: A new chance for Goodwin
Although it sucks, there is still some good news in all of this. The Lakers fans still get to root for him. No, he will not be in purple and gold.
But his next opportunity, with the Suns, should be something fans in L.A. feel proud of. Goodwin earned another shot in the league, and the fact that a playoff contender wanted him should say a lot about what kind of player he is becoming.
He gets to stay in the West. He gets a real chance at making an impact, especially with his new star teammate in Devin Booker. So at the end of the day, It is okay to feel torn. It stings to lose a guy like that, but it should also be a win to see him land on his feet.