In a bold move to reshape their roster for the 2025-26 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers have made headlines by waiving guard Jordan Goodwin, marking the second player cut in a single day to clear salary cap space for the high-profile signing of Marcus Smart. This strategic maneuver, reported on July 21, 2025, follows the earlier waiver of guard Shake Milton, as the Lakers aim to bolster their defensive lineup with the former NBA Defensive Player of the Year. However, the decision to part ways with Goodwin, a fan favorite, has sparked controversy among Lakers supporters and analysts alike.
A Necessary Sacrifice for Financial Flexibility
The Lakers’ decision to waive both Jordan Goodwin and Shake Milton was driven by the need to create cap space to accommodate Marcus Smart’s two-year, $11 million contract, which includes a player option for the 2026-27 season. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Lakers needed to get below the first apron of the NBA’s salary cap to finalize Smart’s signing, a move that required shedding the non-guaranteed contracts of both guards. Goodwin’s contract, which carried a $2.3 million team option for the 2025-26 season with only $25,000 guaranteed, and Milton’s $3 million non-guaranteed deal were the casualties of this financial restructuring.
After these moves, the Lakers are now approximately $1 million below the first apron, allowing them to utilize their $5.1 million bi-annual exception to secure Smart. However, this leaves the team with only 14 players on standard NBA contracts and insufficient cap space to fill their 15th roster spot without further adjustments, a situation that has raised questions about their offseason strategy.
Marcus Smart: A Defensive Anchor for a Championship Push
Marcus Smart, the 2021-22 NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a three-time All-Defensive First Team selection, brings a wealth of postseason experience and defensive tenacity to Los Angeles. With 108 career playoff games from his time with the Boston Celtics, Smart is expected to address the Lakers’ need for a point-of-attack defender, especially after losing Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets in free agency. His signing was heavily influenced by a recruiting pitch from Lakers star Luka Dončić, who reportedly reached out to Smart to express his desire to play alongside the veteran guard.
Smart’s addition is seen as a shift toward a defense-first mentality under new head coach JJ Redick. Despite injury challenges in recent years, including a right finger injury that limited him to 34 games in the 2024-25 season with the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards, Smart’s defensive impact remains undeniable. The Wizards posted a 109.8 defensive rating with Smart on the court last season, compared to 118.7 when he was off, highlighting his ability to anchor a backcourt.
The Cost of Progress: Losing Jordan Goodwin
While Smart’s arrival has generated excitement, the decision to waive Jordan Goodwin has left many Lakers fans disheartened. The 26-year-old guard, who joined the Lakers on a two-way contract in February 2025 before earning a standard deal in March, emerged as a key rotation player under Redick. In 29 regular-season games, Goodwin averaged 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, shooting an impressive 38.2% from three-point range. His hustle, defensive intensity, and rebounding prowess made him a fan favorite, with Lakers legend James Worthy praising his grit and low-mistake playstyle.
Goodwin’s contributions extended to the playoffs, where he appeared in four of the Lakers’ five first-round games against the Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging 7.8 minutes per game. Despite his value, the Lakers’ hard cap at the first apron forced the team to prioritize Smart’s signing over retaining Goodwin, whose contract was only partially guaranteed. Fans expressed their frustration on social media, with many suggesting the Lakers re-sign Goodwin to a two-way deal, only to learn that his four years of NBA experience made him ineligible for such a contract.
Shake Milton: The First Domino
The waiver of Shake Milton earlier on July 21, 2025, was the first step in the Lakers’ cap-clearing efforts. Acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in a trade that also brought Dorian Finney-Smith, Milton struggled to carve out a consistent role, averaging 3.9 points and 11.5 minutes across 30 games. His $3 million contract was set to become fully guaranteed on the same day, prompting the Lakers to act swiftly. While Milton’s departure was less emotionally charged than Goodwin’s, it underscored the team’s willingness to make tough decisions to pursue their championship aspirations.
Controversy and Fan Backlash
The Lakers’ roster moves have not been without criticism. Social media platforms, particularly X, lit up with reactions from fans who viewed the release of Goodwin as a misstep. Posts on X highlighted the irony of Goodwin, once compared to Marcus Smart by their college coach Travis Ford, being waived to make room for his former mentor. Others speculated about Goodwin’s next destination, with some suggesting he could attract interest from other NBA teams as an unrestricted free agent after clearing waivers.
Critics argue that the Lakers may have sacrificed a promising young talent in Goodwin for a veteran whose recent injury history raises concerns. Smart’s limited availability over the past two seasons—54 games combined—has fueled skepticism about whether his $11 million deal will deliver the expected impact. Meanwhile, the Lakers’ inability to fill their 15th roster spot without additional moves has led to speculation about potential trades involving players like Rui Hachimura or Dalton Knecht to further optimize the roster.
Looking Ahead: A New Era in Los Angeles?
The acquisition of Marcus Smart signals a potential shift in the Lakers’ identity, moving away from a LeBron James-centric approach toward a more balanced, defense-oriented roster. With Luka Dončić emerging as a vocal leader in recruitment and JJ Redick emphasizing grit, the Lakers appear to be building around defensive toughness and postseason experience. Smart’s leadership and playoff pedigree could prove invaluable alongside stars like Dončić, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis as the team aims to rebound from their first-round playoff exit in 2025.
However, the loss of Goodwin and Milton leaves the Lakers with questions about their backcourt depth. While Smart is expected to slot in as a defensive anchor alongside Dončić, Austin Reaves, and Gabe Vincent, the team may need to explore the buyout market or trade options to address their open roster spot. The Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, is reportedly considering consolidation trades to maintain flexibility while targeting a 3-and-D wing to complement their star-studded lineup.
Conclusion
The Lakers’ decision to waive Jordan Goodwin and Shake Milton to make room for Marcus Smart represents a high-stakes gamble in their pursuit of a championship. While Smart’s defensive prowess and playoff experience align with the team’s immediate goals, the loss of Goodwin, a rising talent with significant fan support, has sparked debate about the cost of this move. As the Lakers navigate the complexities of the NBA’s salary cap and roster construction, the success of this blockbuster signing will hinge on Smart’s health and ability to elevate a team with championship aspirations. For now, Lakers fans are left to mourn the departure of a beloved role player while hoping that Smart’s arrival marks the beginning of a transformative era in Los Angeles.