LOS ANGELES — After leading for most of the second quarter, the Lakers relinquished their advantage to the Clippers on Friday night when Kawhi Leonard’s 3-point attempt in transition bounced off the front of the rim and hit the backboard before falling into the basket to give the Clippers a 72-69 lead in the third.
And the Lakers still trailed after Luka Doncic’s layup on the ensuing possession.
But Jordan Goodwin helped flip the momentum moments later.
After Doncic’s layup, Goodwin stole the Clippers’ inbounds pass from James Harden to Leonard – typically an innocuous play, but Goodwin’s steal helped put the Lakers back in front. The layup gave the Lakers a 73-72 lead.
Goodwin recorded another steal on the Clippers’ next possession. And even though it didn’t result in points, Goodwin’s hustle plays helped turn the game back in the Lakers’ favor, showcasing the value they have gotten out of their two-way players lately.
The Lakers led for the remainder of the game after Goodwin’s pair of steals.
“They’re bringing more toughness to our group,” LeBron James said. “They’re already a tough group; they bring more toughness. Just those dog factors.
“They make plays – hustle plays, 50/50 balls, they get after it. They have definitely given us some great minutes in the minutes they’ve been out there for us.”
Goodwin (six points, five rebounds, two assists), along with two-way contract big man Trey Jemison (five points, six rebounds), stepped up in their increased opportunities in Friday’s win over the Clippers at Crytpo.com Arena, both standing out with hustle plays.
The Lakers will have a rematch at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday night.
“We’ve had a number of guys cycle through two-way contracts since the start of camp,” Redick said. “And I think Christian [Koloko] has really done well in that role, particularly with the layoff. And then to get Goodie, who we kind of foresee just being a part of the rotation – obviously we have to manage his games. And Trey as well.
“But those guys are just professional. And a lot of times with two-ways, you can err on the side of youth and development, and I think there’s a lot of merit and a lot of value in that. Trey and Goodie are older players by two-way standards. And so, to be able to have them both with experience and both having been in the league now for a couple of years – Goodie longer than that – but they know how to play and they can contribute to winning.”
Goodwin has had a significant role, especially for a player signed to a two-way contract, since signing his deal on Feb. 7.
He’s averaged 6.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in 18.4 minutes, playing in eight of nine games since signing a two-way deal. The Lakers are 7-1 in the games Goodwin has played.
Jemison, who joined the Lakers in mid-January after being waived from his two-way contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, praised the Lakers as an organization.
“I’m not saying this because I’m here and they pay me every 15 days: it’s elite,” Jemsion said. “From the coaching staff to the chefs, to the treatment – it’s elite.
“I’ve been with the Wizards, I’ve been with the Grizzlies, I’ve been with the Pelicans. They’re all great organizations. It’s a different level of basketball here, and they expect that from you. They give us everything we need and them some.”
CLIPPERS AT LAKERS
When: Sunday, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Crypto.com Arena
TV/radio: Spectrum SportsNet/710 AM