TORONTO – A.J. Lawson has been living his dream this week, and what a dream it’s been! The Brampton-born star not only made his first career NBA start on Friday but followed it up with an unforgettable performance on Monday night.
Lawson exploded for a career-high 32 points and grabbed 12 rebounds as the Toronto Raptors dominated the Washington Wizards 119-104. His remarkable double-double performance left fans buzzing and marked a memorable moment in his journey as a professional athlete.
A Dream Come True for the Brampton Native
“Probably been dreaming about this, who knows how long? Since I first touched the basketball?” said Lawson. “I mean, I’m a Toronto kid, grew up in Brampton. To have a performance like this, it just means everything.”
He dedicated the special moment to his family, his city, and his country. “All glory to God. Couldn’t do it without Him,” he added.
Lawson’s Unconventional Journey to the NBA
Lawson’s path to NBA success was far from straightforward. After going undrafted out of South Carolina in 2021, he joined the College Park Skyhawks, the G-League affiliate of the Atlanta Hawks. The following year, he played with the Guelph Nighthawks in the Canadian Elite Basketball League before joining the Dallas Mavericks for their summer league team.
Later, Lawson had a brief stint with the Minnesota Timberwolves before signing a two-way contract with the Raptors on December 11.
Stepping Up When Opportunity Knocked
Due to injuries within Toronto’s lineup, Lawson found himself with increased playing time this week. He credited his teammates for making him feel welcome since joining the Raptors organization.
“I came back to the locker room after the game and they were all cheering ‘real bad mon!‘” Lawson laughed. “It’s just Toronto slang. We from the city, giving the Toronto and Jamaican culture some love.“
A Special Connection with RJ Barrett
Lawson’s memorable night was made even sweeter by reuniting with longtime friend RJ Barrett. The two played together growing up on the Brampton Warriors, their middle school team, and later their high school squad.
“We were all laughing because on one of Lawson’s threes, (Jared) Rhoden was wide open, but A.J. was wide open too — and A.J. already had 27 points at that point,” Barrett said with a smile. “He made the shot and ended up with 30-plus. I’m just happy for him.“
An Emotional Milestone
Reflecting on the night, Lawson cherished playing alongside his childhood friend on Canada’s biggest basketball stage.
“Honestly, it’s full circle. Being on the same court with RJ, as a Raptor, both Canadians — what a blessing,” Lawson said. “The odds of that happening are rare.“
Lawson’s Record-Breaking Night
Lawson’s previous career-high was 17 points, achieved on December 23, 2023, during his time with Dallas. On Monday, he went 9-for-21 from the field, including seven three-pointers.
“It felt like the net just opened up,” Lawson said. “I just kept shooting because I know the work I put in.”
If he had scored just four more points, he would have set a new record for the highest-scoring player on a two-way contract in NBA/G-League history.
Looking Ahead
With momentum on his side, Lawson’s journey continues to inspire aspiring Canadian athletes. His dedication, resilience, and talent are proving that dreams can come true — even in the heart of Toronto’s bustling basketball scene.
नमस्ते, मेरा नाम अमित वर्मा है। मैं हिंदी में सरकारी योजनाओं और स्कीम्स से जुड़ी ताज़ा खबरें और जानकारी साझा करता हूं। राजस्थान का निवासी होने के नाते, मेरा उद्देश्य आपको सभी सरकारी योजनाओं की सटीक और सरल जानकारी प्रदान करना है।