Lakers’ Jordan Goodwin Decision Still Haunting Them as Suns Reap the Rewards
Sometimes the decisions that sting the most are the ones you made with the best of intentions. That’s exactly where the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves midway through the season, watching Jordan Goodwin thrive in Phoenix while their own bench continues to struggle for consistency and impact.
Goodwin, waived in the offseason to make room for Marcus Smart, has quietly become one of the more valuable role players on a surprising Suns team that’s outperforming expectations. Meanwhile, the Lakers kept Dalton Knecht and Bronny James-two young prospects who, for now, are only seeing meaningful minutes in blowouts.
Lakers fans are already familiar with what Goodwin brings to the table. The 6'3" guard earned his way from a two-way deal to a standard contract last season and carved out a legitimate role in JJ Redick’s playoff rotation.
He defended with intensity, knocked down shots, and brought a level of energy that’s hard to teach. He was the kind of player who could swing a second unit’s momentum.
And yet, when it came time to make room for Smart, Goodwin was the odd man out.
That decision is looking worse by the day.
Phoenix Finds a Gem in Goodwin
In Phoenix, Goodwin is doing exactly what he did in L.A.-only now, he’s doing it with more opportunity and on a team that’s making noise in the West. He’s averaging 8.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.4 steals in just under 22 minutes per game.
The Suns are 24-15 in games he plays, and just 1-2 when he sits. That’s not a coincidence.
The advanced numbers back it up: Phoenix has a +6.4 net rating with Goodwin on the floor, and they’re 5.5 points per 100 possessions better during his minutes. He’s already posted a 0.7 VORP (Value Over Replacement Player), which would rank fourth on the Lakers-behind only their three stars.
This isn’t just a feel-good story about a player making the most of a second chance. It’s a case study in how letting go of the wrong guy can ripple through a team’s rotation.
The Suns, who moved on from Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, are finding their identity through toughness, defense, and effort. Goodwin fits that mold perfectly.
Lakers’ Perimeter Problems Persist
Back in Los Angeles, the Lakers are still searching for answers on the perimeter. Gabe Vincent hasn’t provided the defensive lift they hoped for, and the team continues to struggle containing opposing guards. Goodwin, with his defensive mindset and ability to pressure the ball, would’ve been a natural fit to help plug that hole.
Instead, the Lakers are leaning on a bench that hasn’t delivered. Knecht and James are both offensive-minded players still trying to find their rhythm at the NBA level.
Neither has cracked the regular rotation, and neither has shown enough to suggest they’re ready to contribute in meaningful moments. On a team built around three superstars, the margin for error in the supporting cast is razor-thin-and right now, L.A. is feeling that squeeze.
December Sting: Goodwin Burns His Former Team
If the front office needed any more evidence that they let a valuable piece slip through their fingers, they got it in December-twice. Goodwin played a key role in two Suns wins over the Lakers, including a Dec. 1 performance where he dropped 13 points, dished out five assists, and picked up three steals. Then came Dec. 23, when he knocked down two big threes in a blowout win.
Those weren’t just empty stats-they were moments that highlighted what the Lakers are missing: a guard who defends, competes, and doesn’t shy away from the moment.
A Missed Opportunity That Could Linger
There’s no sugarcoating it-the Lakers had Goodwin under contract, and they let him go. He was affordable, impactful, and already familiar with the system.
He brought depth, defense, and energy, all of which this Lakers team desperately needs. Instead, they gambled on youth and potential, and so far, that bet hasn’t paid off.
For a franchise with championship aspirations, these are the kinds of roster decisions that can make or break a season. Goodwin might not be a star, but he’s exactly the type of role player who helps stars shine brighter. And right now, he’s doing it in Phoenix-while the Lakers are left wondering what might have been.