Over the past seven months, A.J. Lawson has experienced a lot of changes in his career.
Lawson initially had a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks last season. After the Mavericks traded more players than they received at the trade deadline, they ended up with an open roster spot. They considered signing Spencer Dinwiddie from the buyout market, but when Dinwiddie chose to join the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas decided to upgrade Lawson’s two-way contract to a standard one in early March.
Lawson consistently brought energy during his playing time, and the Mavericks rewarded his efforts by converting his deal to a standard contract.
He demonstrated his progress during the Summer League, but the situation took a turn when rumors started about the Mavericks re-signing Markieff Morris. To make space for Morris on their 15-man roster, the team waived Lawson after just one preseason game. However, it appears that Lawson’s journey with the Mavericks is not over yet.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Mavericks have now re-signed Lawson on a two-way contract, bringing him back into the fold. Lawson has earned a lot of respect within the organization, and Dallas made sure to secure his return to continue his development. With Lawson back on board, the Mavericks now have a full 15-player roster and all three two-way spots occupied.
Last season, Lawson appeared in 42 games for Dallas, averaging 3.2 points per game while shooting 44.6 percent from the field. Now, he has another opportunity to prove his worth to both the Mavericks and the rest of the NBA, hoping to earn a standard contract once again.
Lawson’s strengths lie in his athleticism and energy, but to secure a more permanent spot, he’ll need to improve his offensive skills. He shot just 26 percent from beyond the arc last season, and boosting that percentage will be crucial for his chances to stick with an NBA team.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 179 pounds, Lawson’s relatively slim build might limit his ability to defend bigger forwards effectively. While he possesses good lateral quickness to guard shooting guards, he’ll need to focus on adding strength to improve his defensive versatility.
Lawson has plenty of potential. His explosive athleticism and high energy often provide a spark off the bench. Consistency will be the key for him to earn a regular role in the Mavericks’ rotation this season.
Given the depth of the Mavericks’ roster, Lawson must capitalize on every opportunity he gets on the court if he wants head coach Jason Kidd to give him playing time during the regular season.
Lawson’s hustle and athletic ability make him a valuable asset, and he could provide depth on the wing for Dallas, especially if the team faces injuries later in the season.
