Kosner Baskonia has strengthened its perimeter rotation by signing Canadian guard A.J. Lawson to a two-year contract, the club announced Monday. The 26-year-old arrives in Vitoria-Gasteiz after spending time in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks and Toronto Raptors.
Lawson, who also holds a Jamaican passport, joins Baskonia as a versatile 2.00-meter wing capable of contributing scoring, athleticism and defensive intensity. The club described him as a “dynamic” player with energy and offensive ability as it continues reshaping its roster ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The move marks Lawson’s first European club experience after four NBA seasons and 107 career appearances. He entered the league after developing at South Carolina in the NCAA before moving to the G League with the College Park Skyhawks during the 2020-21 season.
Lawson made his NBA debut with the Timberwolves during the 2021-22 campaign before joining the Mavericks, where he played 56 games across two seasons. He spent the last two seasons with the Raptors, appearing in 50 games while splitting time between Toronto and the G League.
During the 2025-26 season, Lawson averaged 4.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.3 assists in 24 NBA appearances with the Raptors. He shot 43.6% from the field and 42.2% from three-point range in limited NBA minutes, showing improved perimeter efficiency compared with his previous seasons.
His strongest NBA season came in 2024-25 with Toronto, when he played 26 games and averaged 9.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 18.7 minutes per game. He shot 42.1% from the field and connected on 32.7% of his three-point attempts while earning a larger role in the Raptors’ rotation.
Baskonia enters the new season after finishing 18th in the 2025-26 EuroLeague regular season with a 13-25 record.
The roster has undergone significant changes this offseason. Baskonia lost several rotation players, including Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Trent Forrest, Markquis Nowell, Eugene Omoruyi, Mamadi Diakite and Gytis Radzevicius.
Luwawu-Cabarrot was Baskonia’s leading scorer in EuroLeague play last season, averaging 18.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 36 games while shooting 41.2% from three-point range. His departure leaves room for new perimeter additions to take on larger offensive roles.
Baskonia has already added former NBA players DJ Stewart and Chris Duarte this offseason, with Lawson becoming another experienced international addition.
