Training camp invite Jordan Goodwin could answer Lakers prayer late in offseason

The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing to enter the 2024-25 NBA season with an overwhelming sense of uncertainty on the defensive end of the floor. Anthony Davis is coming off of yet another All-Defense season, and Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent hope to be healthy, but there's a glaring absence of consistent defenders beyond them.

With a roster that leans more toward offensive explosiveness than defensive consistency, Los Angeles has left the door open for an emerging defender to make a name for themselves.

While free agency has yet to generate a structural improvement, the possibility of an unexpected upgrade could take shape as soon as training camp. According to Senior NBA Insider Chris Haynes, the Lakers have added defensive-minded guard Jordan Goodwin to the training camp roster.

It's not the marquee move that some were hoping to see this summer, but it could ultimately pay off in the form of a crucial flaw being quietly addressed.

Goodwin split the 2023-24 season between the Phoenix Suns and Memphis Grizzlies. He thrived on the defensive end of the floor, albeit while struggling offensively, and will now have a chance to continue his run of on-ball quality with the Lakers.

The general defensive burden will continue to fall on the surplus of Lakers making upwards of $10 million per season, but Goodwin could help change the culture along the perimeter.

Jordan Goodwin has tools to earn a contract and playing time with Lakers

Goodwin played just 17 games with the Grizzlies in 2023-24, but his impact was undeniable. Memphis was 3.7 points per 100 possessions better when he was on the court than when he wasn't, and allowed 4.6 fewer points per 100 possessions with Goodwin on the floor.

Acknowledging the small sample size, it's also worth noting that the Suns allowed 109.2 points per 100 possessions when Goodwin was on the court and a team-worst 115.6 when he wasn't.

That adds up to 57 games of immense defensive value during the 2023-24 season. It's also what's helped him remain on NBA rosters over the past three seasons—and what could earn him instant playing time with the Lakers.

Los Angeles is thin as far as depth along the defensive perimeter is concerned, and Goodwin could step in and provide positive contributions in one of the team's weakest areas.

Goodwin, 25, is a defensive specialist who utilizes his 6'10" wingspan and strong 200-pound frame to defend up from his position. He's struggled to score with any semblance of efficiency, but he's a willing and able defender who can simplify the game for his teammates.

In spot minutes, Goodwin could come in with the second unit and provide a focused defensive approach that allows other perimeter players to prioritize generating offense.

The rotation is deeper than it's given credit for, which could result in Goodwin struggling to attain playing time. After Vanderbilt and Vincent appeared in a combined 40 games in 2023-24, however, the Lakers can't afford to go into the 2024-25 season without defensive depth.

It's admittedly possible that Goodwin will go through training camp without receiving a contract offer for the 2024-25 season, but adding him to the rotation could save Los Angeles from enduring another season with depleted defensive weapons.