Lakers News: Jordan Goodwin Reportedly Signs 2-Way Contract After NBA Trade Deadline
Feb 7, 2025
EL SEGUNDO, CA - JANUARY 31: Jordan Goodwin #7 of the South Bay Lakers celebrates during the game against the Texas Legends on January 31, 2025 at UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers are adding some more depth to the roster.
Shams Charania of ESPN reported that the Lakers have signed guard Jordan Goodwin to a two-way NBA deal. Goodwin has played in the G-League this season for the team's affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers are signing guard Jordan Goodwin to a two-way NBA deal, sources tell ESPN. Goodwin has played for G League South Bay after going to training camp with the Lakers.
Goodwin entered training camp with the Lakers but did not make the final roster. He last played in the NBA in 2023-24, splitting the season between the Phoenix Suns and Memphis Grizzlies.
Goodwin has played in 14 games for South Bay in 2024-25, averaging 13.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and three assists. In 121 career NBA games, he has averaged 6.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
The best stretch of his career in the NBA came during his 17-game stint with the Grizzlies in 2023-24, where he averaged 10 points, eight rebounds and 4.5 assists for a Memphis team that was depleted by injuries.
While he will not assume a large role with the Lakers, he can be a solid bench piece that can freely be sent between the G-League and NBA as needed. Los Angeles is currently 30-19 and recently acquired star guard Luka Dončić via a trade with the Dallas Mavericks.
Draymond Green: Kevin Durant Turning Down Warriors Trade 'Didn't Affect My Life'
Feb 7, 2025
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 28: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after he made a three-point basket over Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Chase Center on December 28, 2024 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green wasn't concerned about Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant reportedly turning down the chance at a reunion in the Bay Area.
"Didn't affect my life one bit," Green told Sportskeeda's Mark Medina.
"Why would it? I don't concern myself with guys who aren't here," he added.
Anthony Slater and Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that the Warriors were interested in trading for Durant before Thursday's deadline, but they moved on from the pursuit after the former MVP was "cold to the idea" of reuniting with Golden State.
Green and Durant were teammates for three years from the 2016-17 season through the 2018-19 season. They experienced immense success together, making three NBA Finals appearances and winning two championships.
The pair had a heated verbal altercation on the Warriors during Durant's final year in Golden State before he left to join the Brooklyn Nets, but there doesn't appear to be any lingering animosity between the two.
The Warriors remained active on the trade market after failing to land Durant, acquiring six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat in a massive five-team deal. Golden State sent out a package headlined by Andrew Wiggins in return.
BREAKING: Heat are finalizing a deal to send Jimmy Butler to the Warriors for Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson and a protected first-round pick, per @ShamsCharania
"When you walk on the court and you look on the other end and you see guys that you respect, half the battle is fought," Green said, per Medina. "And with Jimmy, that's half the battle. So that's going to be fun because we can compete at the highest level."
The Warriors have struggled since opening their 2024-25 campaign with a 12-3 record, currently sitting at 25-26. They own the No. 11 seed in the Western Conference standings.
In 37 appearances this season, Green is averaging 8.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 42.1 percent from the field and 35.6 percent from three-point territory.
The former Defensive Player of the Year didn't care about Durant reportedly turning down a reunion, looking forward to playing alongside Butler instead.
LeBron James Hypes 'Generational' Luka Dončić Ahead of Lakers Debut: 'I Can't Wait'
Feb 7, 2025
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 06: Luka Doncic sits next to LeBron James during a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on February 06, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
It's safe to say that Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is excited to play with his new teammate.
The Lakers shocked the NBA when they traded for Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Dončić last week, dealing away star center Anthony Davis in the process. This move likely puts the Lakers future in the hands of the 25-year-old Dončić and could signal a passing of the torch from the 40-year-old James.
When asked about the move, James expressed excitement at the opportunity to play with a "generational talent" and "watch him do his thing."
"I'm looking forward to it," James said, per Jovan Buha of The Athletic. "I can't wait. Everything I do on the floor, (Dončić) just has the ability to do it, or even do it better. That's how great he is. Even at his young age of 25, he's such a unique player, special player, generational talent.
"So I'll be super appreciative to be able to share the floor with him and then watch him do his thing. It'll be good."
Dončić is in his seventh NBA season and is averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.6 assists in 22 games for the Dallas Mavericks. He is a five-time All-Star and helped lead Dallas to a NBA Finals appearance in 2023-24.
The Lakers are reportedly targeting a Feb. 10 debut for Dončić, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, and will hope he can push the team further up the standings of the Western Conference. Los Angeles is currently 30-19 and sits in fifth in the conference.
James is averaging 24.5 points, nine assists and 7.8 rebounds for the Lakers in 2024-25. Dončić's presence should take some pressure off of James while also signaling the future direction of the franchise.
LeBron James Impresses Fans as Lakers Beat Curry, Warriors After Luka, Butler Trades
Feb 7, 2025
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 6: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors on February 6, 2025 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers will soon add one of the best scorers in the NBA, Luka Dončić, to their lineup. Until then, they can count on LeBron James.
The 40-year-old James, who continues to defeat Father Time, lifted the Lakers to a 120-112 win over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday behind an absurd scoring outburst.
James had 42 points in the win, adding 17 boards and eight assists. He's the second player to score 40 or more points at the age of 40—the other being the great Michael Jordan.
James may not be the same player he once was, but after another outstanding performance, it's hard to deny he's not one of the best players in the league at the moment.
James' long-time rival, Stephen Curry, also had a tremendous night with 37 points, but it wasn't enough to get his team past the Lakers. Luckily for Curry, help is coming. Jimmy Butler, who was traded from the Miami Heat to the Warriors on Wednesday, will join the team soon.
NBA fans were thrilled by the scoring outburst on social media after the win.
There are now two members of the NBA's 40/40 club (40+ points in a game at 40+ years old) - Michael Jordan: 43 points for Wizards vs. Nets in 2003 - LeBron James: 42 points (& counting) for Lakers vs. Warriors in 2025 pic.twitter.com/ZaxzfibvEP
James is playing his best basketball of the season at the moment, and it's led to a recent surge for the Lakers. They've won 11 of their last 13 games and are currently sitting in fifth place in the Western Conference at 30-19.
While Los Angeles will certainly miss Anthony Davis after he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, it seems like the Lakers might be able to make do without him, especially once Dončić is on the court.
Jimmy Butler Talks Heat Trade Request, Move to Warriors, Fit with Stephen Curry, More
Feb 7, 2025
MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 21: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat dribbles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 21, 2025 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
After a dramatic final month with the Miami Heat, Jimmy Butler is finally with a new team.
The six-time All-Star was traded to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, signing a two-year, $111 million deal shortly after joining the team.
When asked why Butler wanted out of Miami, he couldn't put his finger on it, but explained that a lack of communication was part of his desire to leave.
"That's a good question. I don't know," Butler told reporters on Thursday. "There was a lot of talking back and forth and sooner or later the talking has to stop."
"I know I have my joy back," Butler added.
Butler's final days with Miami featured three different suspensions, mainly due to "conduct detrimental to the team." Butler is ready to put the suspensions behind him now with his new team.
"I'm very, very happy that I'm not getting suspended no more," Butler told reporters.
With Golden State, he'll get to play alongside the greatest shooter in NBA history in Stephen Curry. His game plan with his new teammate is simple.
"Pass the ball to Steph and get out the way," he said.
Butler also had a message for Warriors fans on Thursday:
Jimmy Butler is ready to put on a show for Dub Nation 🍿
The Warriors gave up Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schröder, Kyle Anderson, Lindy Waters III and a top-10-protected first-round pick for Butler. Wiggins, Anderson and the draft pick went to Miami, Schröder went to the Utah Jazz and Waters landed on the Detroit Pistons in the five-team deal.
That's a somewhat significant haul for an aging star, but the Warriors appear confident the 35-year-old Butler can help them solve their woes this season. Butler, who spent six seasons in Miami, has struggled a bit this year, averaging just 17 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists. His scoring average is his lowest since the 2013-14 season.
As Butler mentioned, he lost his joy on the court in Miami but has it back now with the Warriors. Perhaps having his joy back will elevate his game some.
The Warriors will need Butler to step up if they want to get into championship form. Golden State is currently in 11th place in the Western Conference at 25-25 and is threatening to miss the postseason entirely if it can't turn things around.
It might take some time for Butler to get integrated into the Warriors' offense, but he has a history of winning everywhere he's been and that's unlikely to change now that he's with Golden State.
NBA Rumors: Lakers to Be 'Patient' on Buyout Market, Eye SG After Luka, Knecht Trades
Feb 6, 2025
Inglewood, California February 4, 2025-Lakers LeBron James, left, and Luka Doncic talk during a timeout at the Intuit Dome Tuesday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Don't expect the Los Angeles Lakers to make much noise on the buyout market after a busy trade deadline for the team that included adding superstar Luka Dončić and talented young big man Mark Williams.
"No news, other than the Lakers are going to be patient and they're looking for a shooting guard," The Athletic's Jovan Buha said Thursday on his podcast while talking about the Lakers' potential approach to the buyout market (1:37:00 mark).
That patience won't be fully self-imposed—the Lakers are limited to what they can do in terms of adding buyout players, given that they are an apron team.
Here are the post deadline first/second apron teams:
Boston Denver LA Lakers Milwaukee Minnesota New York Phoenix
The 7 teams are not allowed to sign a player that is waived and had a pre-existing salary of $12.8M+.
At this point, the Lakers have a pretty solid rotation ready to go.
Dončić, Williams, LeBron James, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura should comprise the starting lineup. Gabe Vincent will handle backup point guard duties, Jaxson Hayes will serve as the backup center and the pair of Dorian Finney-Smith—who may supplant Hachimura in the starting lineup at some point—and the recently-returned Jarred Vanderbilt are available at forward.
Markieff Morris could see some minutes at the 4 or as a small-ball 5, but he'll likely be outside of the Lakers' core nine-man rotation. Maxi Kleber provides frontcourt depth as well, though like Morris probably won't see many minutes. That leaves another shooting guard as an obvious target, though Shake Milton could get some run in that role.
The Lakers are limited in who they could add. Bruce Brown would have been a fantastic potential target but he's not available to apron teams given his salary. Josh Richardson, Seth Curry, Reggie Jackson or perhaps even Lonnie Walker IV—who is currently playing in Europe—are possibilities.
It's not a terribly exciting batch of options, especially for a Lakers team that has a strong nine-man rotation but gets very thin beyond that core group. That isn't necessarily an issue if the Lakers stay healthy—the rotation will be tightened come the postseason—but it could become a major concern if they deal with injuries down the stretch.
Regardless, L.A. fans shouldn't be expecting any kind of major splash from here. The main work has been done, with Dončić and Williams reshaping the look of these Lakers. Anything else will be a minor upgrade to the fringes of the roster.
Report: Luka Dončić Targeting Jazz Game for Lakers Debut After Mavs Trade, Injury
Feb 6, 2025
EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: Luka Doncic, formerly of the Dallas Mavericks, speaks at a press conference introducing him as a new member of the Los Angeles Lakers at UCLA Health Training Center on February 04, 2025 in El Segundo, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Luka Dončić is attempting to make his Los Angeles Lakers debut on Monday against the Utah Jazz, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Dončić hasn't played in a game since Dec. 25 due to a calf strain.
Stein noted that Dončić is said to be "progressing well in his ramp up" from the calf issue and has returned to practice.
The Lakers acquired the superstar forward in a blockbuster three-team trade with the Dallas Mavericks and Jazz on Sunday.
Los Angeles also sent Anthony Davis and a 2029 first-round pick to Dallas as part of the deal.
It was a shocking move, as Dončić was coming off a 2023-24 campaign in which he paced the association in scoring by averaging 33.9 points per game and helped lead the Mavericks to an NBA Finals appearance.
"You can imagine how surprised I was," Dončić said after the trade, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN). "I had to check if it was April 1. I didn't really believe it."
Despite suiting up in just 22 contests this season due to the calf injury, Dončić has continued to show why he's one of the NBA's best offensive players. He's recording 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 7.8 assists and 2.0 steals per game on 46.4/35.4/76.7 shooting splits.
While the change of scenery was unexpected for Dončić, he's still looking forward to playing alongside LeBron James in Los Angeles.
"It's just like a dream come true," Dončić said, via ESPN. "I always looked up to him. There's so many things I can learn from him, and I'm just excited to learn everything and get to play with him. It's an amazing feeling."
He should have an easy time adjusting to his new teammates in his expected debut, as the Jazz sit at No. 14 in the Western Conference standings with a 12-37 record. They're also allowing 118.6 points per game, the fifth-most in the NBA.
Tip-off between Los Angeles and Utah on Monday is at 10:30 p.m. ET.
NBA Rumors: Warriors' Nikola Vučević Trade Talks with Bulls 'Fizzled' Before Deadline
Feb 6, 2025
TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 16: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls handles the ball during the game against the Toronto Raptors on December 16, 2024 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors "made another run" at Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vučević but were unable to finalize a trade ahead of Thursday's deadline, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
According to Stein, "talks fizzled as the teams could not agree on a trade construction."
Vučević said Wednesday he would be "happy" to stay with the Bulls, per Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune.
Nikola Vučević said tonight didn’t feel like his last game in a Bulls jersey. Doesn’t expect much to happen before tomorrow’s deadline.
K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Sports Network meanwhile reported that the Bulls' deadline talks regarding Vučević had left "plenty of groundwork for an offseason move."
The 34-year-old Vučević, a 14-year NBA veteran, played his first nine-plus seasons with the Orlando Magic before they traded him to the Bulls in March 2021.
The two-time All-Star has averaged a double-double (17.2 PPG, 10.5 RPG) for his career.
This season, Vučević has posted 19.5 points on 54.6 percent shooting (39.4 percent from three) and 10.4 rebounds per game. His 60.9 percent effective field goal percentage ranks 19th in the NBA, per Basketball-Reference.
This is arguably the best season of Vučević's career, so it's no surprise that the Warriors coveted him before the trade deadline. He also has a palatable contract, with only one season of financial commitment at $21,481,481 remaining after this year.
Vučević was part of a rebuild in Chicago that saw the team add DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball for an impressive core four. That team once sat first in the Eastern Conference midway through the 2021-22 season.
Unfortunately, a serious knee injury to Ball, which sidelined him for three years, was a catalyst in the team's struggles down the stretch of that campaign. The Bulls never really recovered since, having been mired in mediocrity and fighting just to make the playoffs.
The Bulls traded LaVine to the Sacramento Kings earlier this week, signaling the end of an era in Chicago. It looks like the franchise will still build around Ball, though, after reportedly signing him to a two-year contract extension on Wednesday.
NBA Insider: Suns Have 'Toxic' Vibe amid Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal Trade Rumors
Feb 6, 2025
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 12: Kevin Durant #35 and Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on January 12, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Hornets 120-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Few teams were discussed in trade rumors over the past month more than the Phoenix Suns, who at one point were potential suitors for Jimmy Butler and reportedly had discussions to trade Kevin Durant to the Golden State Warriors.
And that has led to a tense environment around the team.
"The word I would use is toxic," ESPN's Ramona Shelburne said during Thursday's NBA Today while describing the vibe around the Suns. "That shoot-around yesterday, I heard, was very awkward, very weird in Oklahoma City, because everybody was on pins and needles, wondering what they were going to do. Now you have this reset where, how do you move forward as a team? When there was a clear mandate here that they have to do something. ... And the thing they were trying to do did not come to fruition because Durant said no."
The Suns eventually made a trade, sending veteran center Jusuf Nurkić and a 2026 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets for Cody Martin, Vasilije Micić and a 2026 second-rounder, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. It just wasn't the sort of blockbuster, core-reshaping deal that had been rumored.
It isn't hard to see why the vibe has shifted in Phoenix. It's no secret the team wanted to trade Bradley Beal but were stymied by his no-trade clause and the fact that most teams wouldn't want to pay him over $50 million per season. So there's one star who knows the team wanted to make a change.
The inability to move on from Beal, however, meant that the only way to truly shake up the foundation of the roster was to trade Durant (Devin Booker, obviously, is untouchable, or at least should be). Most reporting suggested that the preference of the Suns was to keep Durant and Booker together and add a different star to the mix, but once that was ruled out, the floodgates opened on the Durant rumors.
So that's a second star who knows the team considered moving him.
And it's not as though everything was honky-dory in the first place. The Suns are just 25-25, currently 10th in the Western Conference. In parts of two seasons with the trio of Booker, Durant and Beal, the Suns are 74-58 and were swept out of the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves last year.
The Suns trading their unprotected 2031 first-round pick just to not make a win-now move at the deadline is an unmitigated disaster.
After speaking with multiple executives from rival teams, the clear consensus is Phoenix will now be forced to trade Durant in the offseason. pic.twitter.com/i01JOPzSsx
This season, Booker, Durant and Beal have appeared in just 26 games together and have a disappointing minus-0.7 net rating when sharing the court, per NBA.com. Teams don't pair three stars together with the intention of losing the minutes all three are on the floor—there are clearly major chemistry concerns at play.
Hence, the Suns tried to make a change. That quest's failure could make the remainder of the 2024-25 season a contentious period for these Suns.
Kevin Durant Rumors: Teams Making 'Aggressive' Trade Calls After Warriors, Suns Talks
Feb 6, 2025
PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 03: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns shoots a three point basket during overtime against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on February 03, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
The Phoenix Suns are receiving more interest in Kevin Durant after trade talks with the Golden State Warriors reportedly fell through on Wednesday.
"From what I'm told, there are multiple teams making really aggressive calls to the Suns on Kevin Durant," Charania said Thursday on NBA Today.
“From what I'm told, there are multiple teams making really aggressive calls to the Suns on Kevin Durant.”@ShamsCharania on what he’s watching as the trade deadline approaches 👀 pic.twitter.com/Hwd6N48mGg
Charania noted that Durant has not requested to be traded from the Suns.
"It's my understanding that most of all these conversations this week have been somewhat blindsiding," Charania said.
Bob Myers also reported on NBA Today (h/t RealGM) that the Memphis Grizzlies were among the teams that reached out to the Suns about acquiring Durant.
A potential trade that would have sent Durant to the Warriors previously fell through after Durant "informed the team he did not want to return to Golden State," per Charania and Brian Windhorst.
Charania's latest report comes about two hours before Thursday's trade deadline at 3 p.m. ET.
Windhorst additionally reported Thursday on Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collectivethat "there was a window for Kevin Durant to be traded to the Miami Heat" after the Warriors bowed out.
Talks fell short because the Suns were looking for a return of more than just Jimmy Butler in exchange for Durant, according to Windhorst. The Heat ended up sending Butler to the Warriors instead.
"I think the Suns were willing to negotiate. I don't think they were anxious to trade Durant," Windhorst said.
These reports indicating the Suns are listening to offers for Durant could potentially have drawn additional clubs to the negotiating table ahead of the deadline.
Durant is signed through next season with annual cap hits of more than $50 million, limiting the number of teams that could conceivably add him.
The Athletic's Sam Amick, David Aldridge and Anthony Slater reported prior to the Butler trade that the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets could be interested in adding Durant.
The Mavericks could be looking for another star after sending out Luka Dončić to pair Anthony Davis with Kyrie Irving.
However, NBA insider Marc Stein reported Tuesday that there was "no tangible expectation percolating in Dallas" that the franchise would attempt to trade for Durant.
The Rockets meanwhile could contemplate adding a veteran player like Durant because their rebuild is progressing faster than expected, Amick, Aldrige and Slater noted.
Making room for Durant on the roster could require sending out Fred VanVleet, who is making $42 million this season. But the trade could reunite Durant with Ime Udoka, who worked with him during his tenure as a Brooklyn Net, while potentially further pushing up the timeline of when Houston can expect to contend for a title.
Durant sat out Wednesday's loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Whether he is in the lineup for Friday night's home game against the Utah Jazz could depend on what happens by 3 p.m. ET.
