Jordan Goodwin Shines in Lakers’ Win Over Suns

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 16: The Los Angeles Lakers ended a four-game losing streak with a hard-fought victory over the Phoenix Suns, 111-104, at Crypto.com Arena on March 16, 2025. In the absence of LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, head coach JJ Redick turned to two-way guard Jordan Goodwin for a crucial start.

Goodwin opened the scoring for the Lakers but finished the game with only two points, three rebounds, and two steals. Despite his modest numbers, his defensive efforts against superstar scorers Devin Booker and Kevin Durant were instrumental in the team’s success.

“I’ll say this, never judge a player based solely on his box score,” Redick said after the game. “Jordan Goodwin was incredible tonight. He set the tone for us against an incredibly difficult team to guard.”

Goodwin’s performance exemplified the significance of role players in the Lakers’ journey, especially as they contend for the championship. While the stars matter, it is often the contributions of players like Goodwin, along with Dorian Finney-Smith, Gabe Vincent, and Jarred Vanderbilt, that truly impact their success.

In the context of Goodwin’s future, many fans are advocating for his two-way contract to be converted into a standard NBA deal. Since signing in February, he has averaged 6.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists, showcasing his potential beyond the G League.

Goodwin’s defensive skills were highlighted by Redick, who pointed out that both Booker and Durant struggled, combining to shoot only 6-of-17 from the field. He attributed this to Goodwin and Finney-Smith’s relentless efforts on defense, creating challenges for the Suns’ top scorers.

Austin Reaves, another Lakers guard, expressed his support for Goodwin, stating, “It’s not conventional. He’s been up and down between standard and two-way contracts. But when he gets the opportunity, he shows what he can do. I don’t understand how he’s not on a regular contract.”

The Lakers have a decision to make regarding Goodwin’s contract before the playoffs, as two-way players are ineligible to participate. “It’s a complicated issue,” Redick addressed in a pregame interview, emphasizing Goodwin’s growing importance to the team. “He has really earned the trust of the coaching staff.”

As the Lakers prepare for the postseason, Goodwin’s contributions may lead to increased minutes, and an upgrade of his contract seems imminent if he continues to perform at this level.