Who’s Jordan Goodwin? Closer look at the guard who signed camp deal with Lakers

On Tuesday, Jordan Goodwin agreed to a camp deal with the LA Lakers, according to Chris Haynes. He will join the team for training camp, where he'll attempt to compete for a spot on the roster.

Goodwin, 25, is a 6-foot-3 guard who has bounced around the league since going undrafted. He's suited up for three NBA teams over the past three years but has failed to find a long-term home in the league.

Goodwin's first opportunity in the league came in 2021 with the Washington Wizards. He'd appear in 64 games over a span of two seasons, where he averaged 6.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists.

During the 2023 offseason, Jordan Goodwin was sent to the Phoenix Suns as part of the Bradley Beal trade. A few months later, he'd end up being traded again. The Suns dealt Goodwin to the Brooklyn Nets at the trade deadline in exchange for veteran forward Royce O'Neale.

Upon being waived by the Nets, the Memphis Grizzlies signed Goodwin to a 10-day contract. When that deal expired, they decided to sign him to a two-way contract.

In 17 games with the Grizzlies, Goodwin averaged 10.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.5 steals. His best performance came against the Lakers, registering 23 points and 17 rebounds in the season's second-to-last game.

---

Does Jordan Goodwin have a chance to earn a spot on the LA Lakers roster?

While he has an opportunity to showcase his talents for the LA Lakers, Jordan Goodwin is fighting an uphill battle to stay on the roster. There are already a handful of capable guards ahead of him on the depth chart.

The most notable guards already on the Lakers roster are D'Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves. There is also Gabe Vincent, who missed most of last season due to injury.

Further down the roster, the Lakers have a pair of young guards they want to develop. Those are Max Christie and Jalen Hood-Schifino. Bronny James, who's on a standard NBA contract, should also be included in this mix. With five to six guards already signed, Jordan Goodwin will have to outperform to save himself a spot.

Goodwin is an athletic guard who can produce on both ends of the floor, but his game has one clear weakness. In his career, Goodwin is a 30% 3-point shooter on low volume. Since he can't space the floor, Goodwin isn't much of a complement to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Given all these factors, the odds are against Goodwin as he attempts to secure another contract in the league.