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A.J. Lawson will never forget this night.
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After 64 NBA games over parts of three seasons, the 6-foot-6 guard finally got to live a dream by hearing his name called as part of a starting lineup.
And more than that, he got to do it for the team he grew up cheering for. Lawson, who hails from Brampton, started in Friday’s Toronto Raptors win over the Utah Jazz. Though his shot wasn’t falling, Lawson couldn’t help but grin throughout a conversation with a few reporters post-game.
“It felt amazing. I mean, we got the win. I’m super happy about that. Got to hear my name (announced) for the first time as an NBA starter. It was a blessing. It’s all God’s work right there,” Lawson said.
Lawson said he found out he’d be starting right before the team’s shootaround in the morning. The news prompted a change of plans for his parents.
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“At first they weren’t gonna come to the game, they like to watch it from home, because the traffic (to) downtown is pretty bad,” Lawson said. “They don’t really like the traffic, but once I told them (he was starting), and they said ‘what!’ They came, they pulled up and supported.
Lawson played high school hoops at GTA Prep in Mississauga and then flashed impressive two-way potential at South Carolina.
Though he went undrafted, he’s played well in the NBA G League and has also had stints with Minnesota and Dallas. The Raptors signed Lawson to a two-way contract in December and has averaged 18.9 points and 1.2 steals a game for Raptors 905 in 22 appearances.
With a number of Raptors either being rested or injured for Friday’s game, Darko Rajakovic turned to Lawson, who has impressed him with his work for Raptors 905 and in practices with Toronto.
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“Just the confidence he’s been playing with. He was 2-for-13 but you would never know about how hard he plays on defence,” Rajakovic said when asked about the performance.
“He doesn’t let missed shots affect him and I love that. When you’re shooting and missing, keep shooting, because they gotta eventually fall,” Rajakovic said.
“And he’s working hard in practice. So you know it’ll eventually come back around for him. His energy, his mindset, that’s something that we need. And I appreciate him. We appreciate him.”
When Lawson heard his name announced before the game for Raptors introductions Lawson said he tried to hold in his emotions and stay calm, but couldn’t help but smile. “I couldn’t even hold it, I was trying to be serious too, but I couldn’t even hold it, and had to smile. I mean, that’s my personality. I’m just a positive, happy person,” he said.
What did the night mean? “Means everything. Because my parents got to see, my fam, friends, loved ones. It’s amazing. I know, if I check my phone right now, they’re probably all sending me snaps and videos about the start,” he said.
“So that’s an accomplishment, right there? A little milestone added to my book.”
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