Lawson's Arrival: A New Chapter for Baskonia's Backcourt
Baskonia's Latest Addition to Their Perimeter Roster
On Monday, Kosner Baskonia officially confirmed the signing of Canadian guard A.J. Lawson to a two-year deal. The 26-year-old athlete makes his way to Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, after having gained valuable experience across several NBA teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, and Toronto Raptors.
Versatile Talent Joins the European Basketball Scene
Lawson, who also holds a Jamaican passport, is celebrated for his versatility. Standing at 2.00 meters, he is expected to offer a potent combination of offensive firepower, impressive athleticism, and robust defensive capabilities to Baskonia. The club has highlighted his 'dynamic' playing style, emphasizing his energy and scoring prowess, as they continue to refine their squad for the 2026-27 season.
Lawson's Journey from NCAA to NBA and Now Europe
This move signifies Lawson's inaugural venture into European club basketball, following a professional career that spans four NBA seasons and 107 appearances. His basketball journey began at South Carolina in the NCAA, progressing to the G League with the College Park Skyhawks during the 2020-21 campaign.
Tracing Lawson's NBA Career Path and Performance
Lawson's NBA career commenced with the Timberwolves in the 2021-22 season. He later moved to the Mavericks, where he participated in 56 games over two seasons. His most recent two seasons were spent with the Raptors, playing 50 games while balancing his time between Toronto and the G League.
Enhanced Shooting Efficiency in Recent Seasons
During the 2025-26 season, Lawson averaged 4.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.3 assists across 24 NBA appearances for the Raptors. Despite limited playing time, he demonstrated remarkable perimeter efficiency, boasting a 43.6% field goal percentage and an impressive 42.2% from beyond the arc, showcasing significant improvement compared to previous years.
Breakthrough Performance with the Toronto Raptors
His most impactful NBA season came in 2024-25 with Toronto, where he appeared in 26 games. During this period, he averaged 9.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 18.7 minutes per game. He achieved a 42.1% shooting accuracy from the field and a 32.7% success rate from three-point range, earning an expanded role within the Raptors' rotation.
Baskonia's Outlook Following a Challenging EuroLeague Season
Baskonia approaches the new season with renewed determination, aiming to improve upon their 18th-place finish in the 2025-26 EuroLeague regular season, where they recorded 13 wins and 25 losses.
Significant Roster Changes and New Acquisitions
The offseason has seen substantial changes to Baskonia's roster, with several key rotation players departing. Notable exits include Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Trent Forrest, Markquis Nowell, Eugene Omoruyi, Mamadi Diakite, and Gytis Radzevicius. Luwawu-Cabarrot was a leading scorer for Baskonia in the EuroLeague last season, averaging 18.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 36 games, with a 41.2% three-point efficiency. His departure creates opportunities for new perimeter players to step into more prominent offensive roles.
Integrating Former NBA Talent for a Stronger Future
In addition to Lawson, Baskonia has also brought in former NBA players DJ Stewart and Chris Duarte this offseason, signaling a clear strategy to integrate experienced international talent into their revamped lineup.
