A.J. Lawson, the Long Island Nets leading scorer, is going home. He’s headed to Toronto on a two-way deal,
Late Tuesday evening, news broke that the Toronto Raptors had signed Long Island Nets A.J. Lawson to a two-way deal. Lawson became the first Long Island player to get called up in the early going of the season. Lawson, a 6’6” wing, is a Toronto native.
Hoopshype’s Mike Scotto was first with the news…
The Toronto Raptors have agreed to a two-way deal with AJ Lawson, league sources told @hoopshype. Lawson has averaged 24 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.3 steals for the Long Island Nets in the G League this season. The Canadian native returns home. pic.twitter.com/frhvpI7utK
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) December 11, 2024
This signing comes after the Raptors opened up a two-way spot after waiving two-way player, D.J. Carlton who’s currently dealing with an ankle injury. Lawson is expected to see court time almost immediately for the Raptors 905, Toronto’s G League affiliate, after signing. Lawson’s departure will open a roster spot for the Nets.
Lawson first found his way to Long Island after Dallas Mavericks let him go at the end of training camp in mid-October. The 24-year-old had played 52 game last season for Dallas, including 10 in their run to the NBA Finals. He was waived, brought back on a two-way deal then waived once again.
Lawson was one of Long Island’s best players in the early days of the new campaign. Before their first road appearance in Toronto against the Raptors 905, Lawson told NetsDaily that this would feel like a “home game” for him in front of his friends and family.
The game in suburban Mississauga ended up being Lawson’s best game of the season. He scored a new career-high in points with 37, picked up seven rebounds, and even stole the ball three times.
Losing Lawson still will leave a big missing piece for Long Island. Recently, Lawson has been on a tear for Long Island. Even in defeat, Lawson continued to show up and show out. Over the last four games all losses, Lawson averaged 28.8 points per game and shot over 40% from deep,
Losing Lawson is going to leave a big void for Long Island. However, the team still has the likes of Killian Hayes, Dariq Whitehead, Amari Bailey, Kendall Brown and Jacky Cui.
Long Island is home in Uniondale Wednesday vs. the Maine Celtics. Game time is 7:00 p.m. ET.
- Report: Raptors, Canadian AJ Lawson agree to two-way contract – Sportsnet Canada