The Los Angeles Lakers have been rolling for nearly the last few months and are near sure-fire NBA title contenders, thanks to the Luka Dončić trade. Still, per NBA Insider Eric Pincus, the Lakers will likely adjust their roster for a postseason run.

How will the Lakers adjust their roster for the postseason since players signed from this point on are not eligible for the 2024-25 playoffs? Pincus explained that if the Lakers want Jordan Goodwin and Trey Jemison available for the playoff, they must convert their two-way deals to a standard contract.

Los Angeles has turned things around over the last two months. Since having two games postponed due to the wildfires, LA (40-21) has won 20 of 26 games — tying Oklahoma City for the best record during this stretch. The Lakers are 12-2 since acquiring Dončić from Dallas, including 8-2 in games that the 26-year Slovenian has played.

Los Angeles extended their season-high winning streak to eight straight last night with a 113-109 victory over New York. Dončić and LeBron James led the way for the Lakers, combining for 63 points, 20 assists, and 19 rebounds. Dončić has produced one triple-double and five double-doubles with the Lakers, totaling 23.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game.

Despite Dončić and James‘ brilliance, the duo sang the praise of their supporting cast after the game.

“I think Gabe [Vincent] won the game with those three 3s in the fourth quarter,” Doncic said of the team’s backup point guard.

Vincent made all four of his threes and scored 12 points to pace the Lakers reserves, who scored 30 points. Dalton Knecht added 11 points, and Jemison contributed seven points and four boards.

While Austin Reaves returned to the lineup against New York, Markieff Morris, Rui Hachimura, Goodwin, and Maxi Kleber were inactive for the game against the Knicks. Hachimura was expected to be reevaluated today. The 27-year-old forward has already been declared out for the Lakers games on Saturday in Boston.

It isn’t surprising that Hachimura or Kleber won’t play tomorrow. While the news hasn’t broken about how Hachimura’s reevaluation went, Sean Deveaney of Athlon Sports said that Hachimura is expected to accompany the Lakers on their four-game road trip. So he could be cleared soon.

It has been reported that Los Angeles hopes that Kleber will make his Lakers debut before the playoffs begin. Meanwhile, Morris will be available against Boston/

Jaxson Hayes is a new addition to the report and is questionable as he is dealing with a right knee contusion. Hayes has anchored the middle for the Lakers since the Anthony Davis trade and has played well. Over the last 16 games, Hayes is averaging 8.3 points on 78.1% shooting, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks.

Goodwin is no longer on the Lakers’ injury report after missing the previous three games with an ankle injury. Goodwin has been fantastic since his minor-league deal with the Lakers on February 7. The 26-year-old has recorded double-digit minutes in seven of his eight appearances.

Goodwin, who has played at least 20 minutes on four occasions, has taken the role of the departed Max Christie as the Lakers top perimeter defender. Goodwin can play both backcourt spots and averages 6.1 points on 52.5% shooting from the field. He also has done a fantastic job on the glass, though he is still a nonthreat from deep.

Vincent has seen an increase in playing time over the last three games. Vincent will likely remain as the Lakers’ third guard as he is the most experienced guard off the bench. He averages 2.1 threes over the last 14 appearances. However, JJ Redick said on Friday he expects Goodwin to be part of the Lakers’ rotation now that he is healthy again.

“We’ve had a number of guys, you know, cycle through two-way contracts since the start of camp,” Redick said. “And I think, you know, Christian (Koloko) has really done well in that role, particularly with the layoff, and then to get Goody, who, you know, we kind of foresee just being a part of the rotation.”

Jovan Buha Gives His Thoughts On Goodwin’s Role

Redick has tightened his rotation over the last five games. In addition to Vincent and Goodwin (when healthy), Knecht, Jared Vanderbilt, and Jemison have seen regular minutes off the bench. So, if Redick plans to keep Goodwin in the rotation for the remainder of the season, it makes sense he would see time in the playoffs. The Athletic’s Jovan Buha recently expanded on that scenario on his podcast.

“I do expect him [Goodwin] to be converted at the end of the season as late as possible, and then be on the playoff roster. … He’s kind of become the 9th man, and you could argue that depending on the night and depending on the matchup, he should be like the 8th man,”

“I think he’s going to get a multi-year contract, longer-term, later in the season. But for now, I think the Lakers are just saving some money. It’s a smart move from a management perspective [to keep him as a two-way player].”

Jemison has been a surprise regular contributor for the Lakers. He has seen an increase in playing time since the all-star break.

In the Lakers’ eight games post-all-star break, Jemison has been active three times. But the 25-year-old has increased his production to 4.5 points and 3.7 rebounds over 15 minutes in six appearances. He is also shooting 66.7% from the field during this stretch.

However, Jemison is in a slightly different position than Goodwin. So, it is not certain that Jemison will be promoted to a standard contract.

Jemison is a big, athletic body. The 6-11, 260-pound center has shown some defensive potential, particularly as a shot-blocker, and is a good rebounder.

Jemison has only appeared in 13 games for the Lakers. Jemison has clearly moved ahead of  Alex Len and Koloko on the Lakers depth chart.  But once Hachimura returns from his injury, Redick will have more options.

How Will Redick Manage His Frontcourt During the Playoffs?

When Hachimura returns, Dorian Finney-Smith figures to move back to the bench. However, it is possible that Hachimura will assume the sixth-man role. Regardless, Hachimura, Finney-Smith, and Vanderbilt will likely receive most of the four and five minutes during the Lakers’ postseason run.

Knecht could see some time at the four. However, Knecht would likely be targeted defensively and would put the Lakers in a significant size disadvantage against bigger teams.  In the likely limited time Knecht sees, Dončić and James could see time at power forward or center during the playoffs.

Another option for the Lakers would be to activate Kleber. If the 33-year-old German big is healthy enough, he is at least experienced and will be able to space the floor with his shooting. He is also a physical defender with the ability to protect the rim.

It is also possible that Len will ultimately work his way back into Redick’s good graces.  Morris will also be available in emergencies.

If Los Angeles does promote Goodwin and Jemison to a standard contract. The Lakers will have to make corresponding moves. Cam Redish is the most likely candidate and possibly the only one to be waived.

Redish, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, has not played since January 28. Redish was part of the failed trade with Charlotte for Mark Williams. If Kleber is not available for the playoffs, it may make sense for the Lakers to promote Jemison as well. Len would be next in line to be waived in that case, as he is also an unrestricted free agent this summer.  The Lakers are $893,000 from being hardcapped at the second apron, meaning they can sign Goodwin and Jemison to a standard contract at any point.

Regardless, don’t expect LA to make any roster moves until the last moment as they decide what to do. Morris could be waived, but Redick has praised the veteran’s leadership despite his limited role.

“He’s been awesome,” Redick told Khobi Price of the OC Register about Morris. “He’s been great on the bench talking with guys, making sure our bench energy is good. I told him the other day, we see it, and we appreciate it, and we all just value what he’s doing right now from that aspect of leadership.”