The Los Angeles Lakers have waived guards Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin, a move announced on Sunday evening aimed at creating salary cap space. This decision prepares the team to officially sign veteran point guard Marcus Smart using their bi-annual exception.
Shake Milton was initially acquired by the Lakers in a trade last December that sent D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and draft picks to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Milton and Dorian Finney-Smith. Over 30 games with Los Angeles, Milton averaged 3.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 11.5 minutes per game.
Milton has appeared in 359 career NBA games across seven seasons, playing for multiple teams including the Lakers, Nets, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Philadelphia 76ers. His career averages stand at 8.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in roughly 18.7 minutes per contest.
The Lakers waived Milton before his $3 million salary for the 2025-26 season became fully guaranteed on July 20, effectively preventing that amount from counting against their salary cap.
Jordan Goodwin joined the Lakers last year after signing an Exhibit 10 contract prior to training camp. Following an impressive G League stint with the South Bay Lakers, he earned a two-way contract and later secured a standard deal late in the regular season to be eligible for the playoffs under coach JJ Redick’s rotation. Goodwin’s contract included a team option for 2025-26, which the Lakers exercised early in the offseason.
Despite the option activation, only about $25,000 of Goodwin’s contract was guaranteed, allowing the Lakers to waive him without incurring significant financial penalty. In 29 games this season, Goodwin averaged 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and one steal in 18.7 minutes per game. His NBA career totals across four seasons with several teams, including the Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns, and Washington Wizards, include averages of 6.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.
Given Goodwin’s strong finish to the season, he could be claimed by another NBA team or sign elsewhere in free agency, but a return to the Lakers is unlikely since he no longer qualifies for a two-way contract after four years in the league.
Reason Behind Lakers’ Waivers of Milton and Goodwin
The Lakers chose to waive Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin primarily to free salary cap space and clear the first apron threshold, allowing them to sign Marcus Smart. Smart is expected to join the team under the full bi-annual exception, valued at approximately $5.1 million.
Before these moves, the Lakers were roughly $1.1 million below the first apron hard cap, which severely limited their flexibility in adding new players. Attempts to free salary space via trade were unsuccessful, leading the team to release Milton and Goodwin, totaling around $5.5 million in saved salary.
Looking ahead, without further trades, the Lakers will begin the season with a 14-player roster and just about $1.3 million under the hard cap. This small margin means the team will likely be unable to add a minimum salary player until the middle of the season.
Implications for Lakers’ Roster Management and Season Outlook
The release of Milton and Goodwin underscores the Lakers’ priority to secure Marcus Smart, a key veteran addition expected to strengthen their backcourt defense and playmaking. By maneuvering salary cap space, the organization is positioning itself to compete more effectively in the upcoming season.
While losing two reliable guards reduces depth, the Lakers are optimizing their roster to maintain financial flexibility and capitalize on Smart’s experience. The limitation on cap space may restrict midseason acquisitions until the team clears additional room or trades players.
Overall, these moves reflect calculated roster management within a tightly controlled salary cap environment as Los Angeles aims to assemble a competitive squad for the 2024-25 NBA campaign.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Jordan Goodwin wear a mask?
A. After getting hit in the face during the last game, Rui will wear a mask for protection, just like Jordan Goodwin.