Lakers cut ties with 26-year-old fan favorite guard following Marcus Smart news

The Los Angeles Lakers were all about business on Sunday. 

Entering the day, the Lakers were aware they needed to adjust their roster to clear space for Marcus Smart, who plans to sign a two-year, $11 million contract with the organization this summer. 

Hours after moving on from Shake Milton, Los Angeles cut ties with a 26-year-old fan favorite guard. 

“The Los Angeles Lakers have waived guard Jordan Goodwin,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported. “Goodwin emerged as a key rotation piece for JJ Redick late last season, playing 29 games and four playoff contests. Goodwin and Shake Milton were released to clear space for arrival of Marcus Smart.”

Goodwin inked a two-way contract with the Lakers midway through the 2024-25 campaign. 

While the Saint Louis product wasn't a high-level scorer by any stretch of the imagination, his ability to hold his own as a perimeter defender and drill long-range jumpers at a high clip made it easy for Lakers fans to get behind him.

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Goodwin averaged 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game in 29 outings with the Lakers, shooting 43.8% from the field and 38.2% from deep.

Many speculated that Los Angeles would retain Goodwin and cook up a summer consolidation trade centered around Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber. 

However, it's evident that the franchise believed waiving the 6-foot-4 contributor was the correct move following their decision to move on from Milton earlier in the day.

More NBA: Lakers cut ties with recently-acquired 6-foot-5 guard after Marcus Smart news