Local Kid Makes Good: A.J. Lawson Explodes for Career-High Performance with raptors
Toronto Raptors guard A.J. Lawson, a Brampton, Ontario native, delivered a career-defining performance Monday night, scoring 32 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in a 119-104 victory over the Washington Wizards. The breakout game, which also saw Lawson record a double-double, came after his first NBA career start on Friday [[1](https://www.nba.com/player/1630639/aj-lawson)].
‘It Just Means Everything’: Lawson’s Dream Week
“probably been dreaming about this, who knows how long? As I first touched the basketball?” Lawson saeid after the game.”I mean, I’m a Toronto kid, grew up in Brampton. To have a performance like this, it just means everything.”
Lawson emphasized the significance of the moment, dedicating the performance to his city, family, and country. “It’s for the city, for family, for the country,” he said. “I mean, all glory to God.Couldn’t do it without Him.”
An Undrafted Path to the NBA Dream: Lawson’s Journey
Lawson’s route to the NBA wasn’t straightforward. After going undrafted out of South Carolina in 2021, he honed his skills in the G-League with the College Park Skyhawks and played in the Canadian Elite Basketball League with the Guelph Nighthawks. He also had stints with the Dallas Mavericks’ summer league team and the Minnesota timberwolves before landing a two-way deal with the Raptors on Dec. 11 [[1](https://www.nba.com/player/1630639/aj-lawson)].
Chemistry with Childhood Friend RJ Barrett Fuels Victory
A series of injuries within the raptors’ lineup has recently provided lawson with increased playing time. Notably, his connection with teammate RJ Barrett, a fellow Brampton native, played a role in his success. The pair played together on the Brampton Warriors basketball club, in middle school, and in high school.
Barrett highlighted Lawson’s hard work and activity on both ends of the court. Lawson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share the court with Barrett in the NBA. “Honestly, full circle to being on the same court as him, as a Raptor, both Canadians, what a blessing it is,” Lawson said. “The odds of that happening is rare.”
Lawson’s Hot Hand: ‘It felt like the net just opened up’
Lawson’s confidence was evident as he shot 9-for-21 from the field, including seven three-pointers. “It felt like the net just opened up,” he said. “I just felt like every shot I was gonna shoot it was gonna go in.”
He added, ”I’m not gonna get down if I missed a couple in a row. I’m just gonna keep shooting. Because I know the work that I put in.”
* **What specific actions did A.J. Lawson take during his breakout game that led to his career-high performance?** (This focuses on analyzing his actions and performance.)
Local Kid Makes Good: A.J. Lawson Explodes for Career-High Performance with Raptors – Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions about A.J. Lawson’s Breakout Game
- Q: Who is A.J. Lawson?
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A: A.J. Lawson is a Canadian professional basketball player currently playing for the Toronto Raptors (as of the article’s writing). He’s from Brampton, Ontario.
Trivia: Lawson’s hometown of Brampton is a suburb of toronto, showing the strong local connection.
- Q: What happened in Lawson’s career-defining game?
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A: Lawson scored 32 points, grabbed 12 rebounds (a double-double), and helped the Raptors win 119-104 against the washington Wizards. this performance came after his first career NBA start.
Actionable Advice: Keep an eye on Lawson’s shooting percentages; his success hinges on his ability to consistently make shots.
- Q: What was lawson’s path to the NBA?
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A: Lawson went undrafted in 2021.He played in the G-League, the Canadian Elite Basketball League, and had stints with other NBA teams’ summer leagues before signing a two-way deal with the Raptors.
Key Point: His journey highlights perseverance – a valuable lesson for aspiring athletes.
- Q: How did his connection with RJ Barrett contribute to his performance?
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A: Lawson and Barrett, also from Brampton, played together in middle school and high school.This long-standing chemistry enhanced their on-court connection, helping Lawson’s success.
Captivating Fact: The shared history underscores the role of local basketball programs in nurturing talent.
- Q: What’s next for A.J. Lawson?
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A: That’s hard to say, but Lawson’s confidence is high, and he’s resolute to keep improving. Injuries within the team have provided an opening, and he seems ready to capitalize on it.
A.J. Lawson’s story is a testament to hard work, determination, and the power of local roots. Keep watching as he continues his journey with the Raptors!
