Lakers Cut Guards Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin

Los Angeles Lakers Make Roster Moves

The Los Angeles Lakers have taken the step of requesting waivers for guards Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin, as announced by the team on Sunday evening. This decision is part of a broader strategy to manage their salary cap and prepare for potential signings during the upcoming free agency period.

Shake Milton was acquired by the Lakers in December along with Dorian Finney-Smith in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets. In exchange, the Lakers sent D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and draft compensation. During his time with the Lakers, Milton appeared in 30 games, starting just once, and averaged 3.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 11.5 minutes per game. Over his career, he has played in 359 NBA games across seven seasons, representing multiple teams including the Lakers, Nets, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Philadelphia 76ers. His overall averages are 8.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 18.7 minutes per game.

Milton’s $3 million salary for the 2025-26 season became guaranteed on July 20, prompting the Lakers to waive him before that financial commitment could impact their salary cap. This move allows the team to avoid carrying an unnecessary expense.

Jordan Goodwin, on the other hand, was initially signed to an Exhibit 10 contract before the start of last season. His strong performance in the G League with the South Bay Lakers led to a two-way contract with the Lakers. He continued to impress at the NBA level, becoming a key player in JJ Redick’s rotation. As a result, the organization upgraded his contract to a standard one at the end of the regular season, making him eligible for the playoffs. This contract included a team option for the 2025-26 season, which the Lakers decided to pick up early this offseason. However, only around $25,000 of the contract was guaranteed, allowing the Lakers to waive him without any financial burden.

In 29 games (five starts) during the 2024-25 season, Goodwin averaged 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.0 steals in 18.7 minutes per game. Across his career, he has played in 150 NBA games (24 starts) over four seasons, averaging 6.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 18.1 minutes per game.

Given Goodwin's strong performance at the end of the season, it is possible that he could be claimed or find another NBA contract if he enters free agency. However, due to his four years of NBA experience, he is no longer eligible for a two-way contract, making a return to the Lakers unlikely.

Rationale Behind the Waivers

The primary reason for waiving both Milton and Goodwin is to create enough space under the first apron of the salary cap to sign Marcus Smart. It is reported that Smart will receive the full bi-annual exception (BAE) of approximately $5.1 million. With Milton and Goodwin on the roster, the Lakers were only about $1.1 million below their first apron hard cap. After attempting to make a trade to free up more money, they opted to cut both players, removing about $5.5 million in salary from their books.

With these moves, the Lakers will enter the season with 14 players on their roster, but only around $1.3 million below the hard cap. This amount is insufficient to sign a minimum player until midway through the year.

These strategic decisions reflect the Lakers' efforts to remain competitive while managing their financial obligations effectively.