While the Feb. 1 trade that brought the Los Angeles Lakers Luka Dončić gave them a young generational superstar, it also made them a thinner team, especially in the backcourt, as it cost them emerging 3-and-D wing Max Christie.

On Feb. 7, they called up Jordan Goodwin from the G League and signed him to a two-way contract. The 6-foot-5 guard quickly made a positive contribution and somewhat filled the hole that Christie’s departure created.

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While he isn’t quite the player Christie was becoming, he has shown some promise as a player who can help out moving forward.

Jordan Goodwin’s season stats

In 29 regular-season games, Goodwin averaged 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 steals in 18.7 minutes a game while shooting 43.8% from the field and 38.2% from 3-point range.

In the first round of the NBA playoffs versus the Minnesota Timberwolves, he averaged 0.8 points, 1.3 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.3 steals and 0.3 blocks in 7.8 minutes a game while shooting 20% from the field.

Overall analysis

Goodwin isn’t the most skilled player, but he displayed plenty of hustle, especially on the offensive boards. He also made a nice effort on the defensive end, and in doing so, he helped form a gritty second unit for the Lakers that included Dorian Finney-Smith, Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, all of whom brought hustle and defense.

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Although he’s not a high-volume 3-point shooter, he seemed to start developing into a reliable outside shooter as time went on.

Goodwin will turn 27 years of age in late October, so while he’s young, he also has some experience. He spent parts of three previous seasons with the Washington Wizards, Phoenix Suns and Memphis Grizzlies, but he likely showed more with the Lakers than he did with his previous teams.

Goodwin’s contract situation

Goodwin has a team option for next season. Bleacher Report insider Eric Pincus implied in a recent article that the Lakers are likely to keep him for next season, which would seem like a good idea.

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The franchise has found diamonds in the rough as far as undrafted players such as Goodwin before, and he could be their next find, especially since they have reportedly established a player development system. With a reported wingspan of 6-foot-10, he should be able to become a serviceable player off the bench moving forward, including during the playoffs, as long as he puts in plenty of work.

Overall season grade: B

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers 2024-25 season player grades: Jordan Goodwin