A.J. Lawson Bio
Anthony Randolph Lawson is a Canadian professional basketball player for the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA), on a two-way contract with the Raptors 905 of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Lawson was born on July 15, 2000, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He is recognized for his skills as a shooting guard and has made significant strides in his professional career since starting in 2021.
Early Life and Background
A.J. Lawson grew up in Brampton, Ontario, where he attended St. Marguerite d’Youville High School before transferring to GTA Prep in Mississauga. At GTA Prep, he was coached by David Cooper and became a standout player. In his final year, Lawson was named a National Preparatory Association First Team All-Star and led his team to a second-place finish in the NPA championships. Originally set to graduate in 2019, he reclassified to the class of 2018, which helped him secure a spot in college basketball.
Path to Basketball
Lawson committed to play college basketball for the University of South Carolina, choosing the program over offers from Tulane and Creighton. His recruitment was notably influenced by a late-night workout observed by South Carolina’s head coach Frank Martin. During his college career, Lawson demonstrated his potential, averaging 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game in his freshman year, earning a spot on the Southeastern Conference (SEC) All-Freshman Team.
A.J. Lawson Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
After going undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, Lawson joined the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks for the NBA Summer League. He signed with the Atlanta Hawks on September 22, 2021, but was waived shortly after. In October 2021, he signed with the College Park Skyhawks, where he played 26 games and averaged 11.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. His performance showcased his ability to contribute significantly on the court.
Breakthrough (2022–Present)
Lawson’s career continued to evolve as he signed a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks in December 2022, splitting time with their G League affiliate, the Texas Legends. He was later converted to a standard contract and reached the 2024 NBA Finals with the Mavericks. In March 2025, he scored a career-high 32 points against the Washington Wizards, solidifying his role in the league. His consistent performance led to a two-year, non-guaranteed contract with the Toronto Raptors, where he averaged 9.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in the 2024–25 NBA season.
Notable Works and Milestones
A.J. Lawson’s signature achievements include being named to the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2019 and the SEC All-Second Team in 2021. His career highlights have positioned him as a promising player in the NBA, with significant contributions to his teams.
A.J. Lawson Award Nominations
Throughout his career, A.J. Lawson has received nominations for various awards, reflecting his performance and impact in college basketball and the NBA.
A.J. Lawson Awards Won
Lawson has achieved notable recognition, including being named to the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2019 and the SEC All-Second Team in 2021, showcasing his talent and hard work in the sport.
A.J. Lawson Family
Information regarding A.J. Lawson’s family background is limited and not publicly available.
Personal Life
A.J. Lawson maintains a private personal life, with no publicly available details about his relationships or children.
