When Scotiabank Arena’s in-game host, Mark Strong, announced A.J. Lawson as part of the Toronto Raptors’ starting lineup, the young guard’s smile was impossible to miss. A local talent, Lawson had finally made his NBA debut on his home ground.
Lawson had his first NBA start in Toronto’s 118-109 triumph against the Utah Jazz, a testament to his long journey to the world’s premier men’s basketball league. Even after the game, Lawson’s joy was palpable in the Raptors’ locker room. Despite only scoring six points with three rebounds and an assist in over 26 minutes of play, the win and his debut were what mattered most to him.
The 24-year-old had a roundabout journey to the NBA. After playing NCAA basketball for the South Carolina Gamecocks, he went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft. The following year, he signed with the College Park Skyhawks, the Atlanta Hawks’ minor league affiliate. A stint at the Canadian Elite Basketball League’s Guelph Nighthawks helped him get in shape to join the Dallas Mavericks’ summer league team.
Lawson has had an eventful career thus far, playing with both Dallas and the Minnesota Timberwolves over the past two seasons. He also had impressive runs in the G League with the Texas Legends, Iowa Wolves, and College Park during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.
Before signing a two-way deal with the Raptors and their G-League affiliate, Raptors 905, Lawson was a standout player for the Long Island Nets, averaging 24 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 35.1 minutes in 11 games.
For Lawson, a Brampton native, making his NBA debut in Toronto was a dream come true. His joy was shared by his parents, friends, and loved ones. His performance was also appreciated by his peers, including teammate Immanuel Quickley, who praised Lawson’s confidence, energy, and mindset.
With Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic resting RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl, it opened up the opportunity for Lawson’s debut. Lawson is expected to start again when the Raptors host the Washington Wizards, giving him yet another chance to shine.
Despite the traffic, Lawson’s parents supported him in his debut and he is thrilled to share the victory with them. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on March 7, 2025.
