Life does not tend to grant forgiving second chances like the one that Rob Pelinka is about to get in the upcoming free agency period. That is why the Los Angeles Lakers general manager must be sure of himself if passing up on the services of Jordan Goodwin this time around.
The story is well-known to most, but here's a refresher for anyone who may need it. The Lakers needed to make financial room for the signing of Marcus Smart. Instead of exploring a potential consolidation trade, Pelinka and company chose to waive the non-guaranteed money of Goodwin instead. That decision has haunted them over and over.
After a moment of excellence in finding Goodwin, signing him to a two-way contract, and having that followed by a standard deal, the Lakers foolishly gave up on their hidden gem. Their success in uncovering the late bloomer became the Phoenix Suns' gain.
Goodwin was claimed off waivers by the division rival. The Lakers did not have to look far for updates on just how well their former guard was fitting with the Suns. Goodwin re-enters free agency in 2026. Pelinka may want a do-over and reunion in Los Angeles after how things went down.
Jordan Goodwin perfectly fits what Luka Doncic-led Lakers need
Making room for Smart was not a mistake for the Lakers. The veteran guard was one of their best players in the 2025-26 season. However, doing it at the expense of Goodwin proved painful. Not finding the opportunity to have both was the major letdown.
Los Angeles took the path of least resistance. It hurt them. The Lakers would have loved to have someone who can challenge opposing offensive stars while stretching the court on offense in the way that their former guard did for the Suns in 2025-26.
Goodwin delivered a hard-nosed, high-energy brand of perimeter defense in Phoenix. On the other end, the Suns guard averaged 8.7 points per game on 37.1 percent from beyond the arc. That figure from deep even came on a career-high 4.3 attempts a night.
It is no secret just how valuable the 3-and-D archetype is in the NBA. After a career year, Goodwin will get to find that fact out himself upon entering the 2026 offseason as an unrestricted free agent.
This is where the Lakers could bring him back, if the Suns don't fork over the money necessary to keep him in Phoenix. That discussion could come down to Goodwin's price point.
At 27 years old, Goodwin will have an opportunity to receive the first real pay day of his career. After a career of clawing to stay on the fringes of the league, no one would blame him for signing with the highest bidder. If the Lakers can maneuver their cap accordingly, that could be them.
Add us as a preferred source on Google