The Los Angeles Lakers have decided to convert Jordan Goodwin's two-way contract to a two-year standard contract with a team option and waive former lottery pick Cam Reddish, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
Reddish, 25, has spent each of the last two seasons in Los Angeles. In 33 games this season with the Lakers, Reddish averaged 3.2 points and 2.0 rebounds in roughly 17.8 minutes per game.
After being drafted 10th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in 2019, Reddish has struggled to find a consistent home. Los Angeles was his fourth different franchise in six seasons. Reddish was involved in the failed Mark Williams trade with Dalton Knecht made before the NBA trade deadline, which was later rescinded by Los Angeles.
Goodwin, who the Lakers signed due to injury struggles on their roster in recent weeks, had played exceptionally well and has started multiple games this season. The problem was that he played in his 19th game with the Lakers on Wednesday night, which is the maximum amount of games allowed under the terms of his two-way contract.
That is why a decision was made to convert Goodwin's deal to a standard contract, waiving Reddish to free up the roster spot in the process.
With his steady play at the point guard position and ability to create energy either in the starting lineup or coming off the bench, Goodwin has become a valuable player in JJ Redick's nightly rotations. Aside from his active defensive awareness, Goodwin brings a sense of toughness to the floor every night.
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Goodwin has averaged 6.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 41.3 percent from three-point range with the Lakers. He is also averaging over one offensive rebound per game, which is another reason why Redick likes him.
The 26-year-old guard has made an instant impact for the Lakers, which is why Redick is so high on him.
“I think defensively, outside of a couple of things. . .it was a great night. And Vando [Vanderbilt] and Goody [Goodwin] really led that for us,” Redick said after the team's recent 120-108 win against the Denver Nuggets. “You really felt them when they were in the game, and they were part of some big runs for us.”
Goodwin will continue to hold a key role for the Lakers throughout the end of the regular season and into the playoffs.
The Lakers are currently 44-28, tied with the Memphis Grizzlies for the fourth-best record in the Western Conference.