A.J. Lawson
A. J. Lawson, born Anthony Randolph Lawson Jr. on July 15, 2000, is a Canadian professional basketball player. Standing 6’6″ tall and weighing 178 lbs, he plays as a guard. Lawson began his collegiate career at the University of South Carolina, joining the Gamecocks for the 2018-2019 season. As a freshman, he quickly established himself as a key player, showcasing his scoring ability and athleticism. He averaged 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, earning SEC All-Freshman Team honors. He declared for the 2019 NBA Draft but later withdrew his name to return to South Carolina for his sophomore year. In his sophomore season (2019-2020), he continued to be a primary offensive threat, averaging 13.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. He again tested the NBA Draft waters after his sophomore year but ultimately decided to return for his junior year. During his junior year (2020-2021), Lawson improved his efficiency and consistency, averaging 16.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. He was a significant contributor to the Gamecocks throughout his time there, known for his ability to create his own shot and his strong defensive potential. After three seasons at South Carolina, Lawson declared for the 2021 NBA Draft. Although he went undrafted, he did not give up on his NBA dream. He signed with the Atlanta Hawks for the 2021 NBA Summer League, where he had the opportunity to showcase his skills against other promising young players. Following his Summer League stint, he signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Hawks, which typically indicates a team’s interest in developing a player in their G-League affiliate. He spent the 2021-2022 season playing for the College Park Skyhawks, the Hawks’ G-League team. In the G-League, Lawson continued to refine his game, demonstrating his offensive versatility and showing flashes of his potential as a two-way player. Lawson’s persistence paid off when he signed a two-way contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves in October 2022. This type of contract allows players to split their time between an NBA team and its G-League affiliate. He made his NBA debut with the Timberwolves, seeing limited opportunities but gaining valuable experience at the highest level of professional basketball. He primarily played for the Iowa Wolves, Minnesota’s G-League team, where he continued to be a productive scorer and defender. In February 2023, Lawson was signed by the Dallas Mavericks to a two-way contract. This move provided him with another chance to establish himself in the NBA. He continued to play for the Mavericks’ G-League affiliate, the Texas Legends, alongside his time with the Mavericks’ main squad. With the Mavericks, he saw more regular-season action and continued to impress with his athleticism and developing offensive game. He quickly became a fan favorite for his energetic play and willingness to contribute on both ends of the court. His journey from undrafted prospect to NBA two-way player highlights his dedication and work ethic. Beyond his professional career, A. J. Lawson is known for his quiet and focused demeanor. He is regarded as a hard worker and a good teammate. Hailing from Canada, he is part of a growing contingent of talented Canadian basketball players making their mark in the NBA. His personal life is kept relatively private, with his primary focus being his development as a basketball player. He continues to train rigorously in the offseason to improve his skills, particularly his shooting consistency and playmaking abilities. His story is one of perseverance and determination, as he has consistently worked to overcome challenges and prove his worth in the competitive world of professional basketball. His progression from a highly regarded collegiate prospect to an undrafted free agent who earned his way onto NBA rosters serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes.
