The Los Angeles Lakers waived Jordan Goodwin after a promising season, and that looked like a mistake as he played a pivotal role in the Phoenix Suns' defeating the Golden State Warriors to reach the playoffs. The 6’3 guard had 19 points, nine rebounds, and six steals as he shut down Stephen Curry. He was the exact 3-and-D wing the Lakers need around Luka Doncic.
It was immediately clear this was the wrong move. The Lakers had a decision to make after signing Marcus Smart. Instead of dumping Bronny James or Dalton Knecht, LA opted to waive Goodwin. It was the easiest choice, and clearly the wrong one.
The Lakers have felt this move haunt them before, but it reached a new level on Friday night. Goodwin made an impact on both ends as the Suns ended the Warriors' season. It was exactly the type of performance Los Angeles is dreaming of a role player having in the postseason.
Jordan Goodwin makes Lakers look foolish with Play-In masterpiece
Goodwin drew the start, and the Suns needed rebounding with center Mark Williams out with a foot injury. The 6’3 guard led the way with nine. He made seven of his 11 field goals, including sinking four 3-pointers. This was all, while chasing and creating havoc for Stephen Curry. The Warriors star finished with 17 points on four of 16 shooting from the field. Credit Goodwin for much of that work.
It was a win-or-go-home contest for both teams. Goodwin saved the season with his two-way impact. His six steals and four 3-pointers are what every contending team dreams of from a role player in a massive spot. It is not often that it comes, especially from a player who was picked up off waivers less than a year ago.
The Lakers look even more foolish as they have no trusted third guard heading into their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are injured. Los Angeles is running with Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, and LeBron James at the point of attack. Having another creator would be massive. The Lakers had it in Goodwin, but he was foolishly and recklessly cast aside.
Rob Pelinka has struggled to find role players in his tenure leading the purple and gold. Even when he hits on a player like Jordan Goodwin, he gives up too soon. Goodwin averaged 4.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 steals this season, while shooting 37.1 percent from 3-point range. He was the point attack defender and shooter the Lakers need next to Luka Doncic.
The Los Angeles Lakers should regret letting him go for no reason. It was a foolish move that had no defense. Goodwin made them pay again in the Play-In Tournament and isn’t done. The 27-year-old is in his prime and will keep making an impact on both ends of the floor.
Los Angeles deserves heat for this foolish move, and they can’t repeat it if they want to build a serious contender around number 77 moving forward. Hopefully, the lesson was learned.
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