Former Gamecock star AJ Lawson will be playing on the biggest stage in the conference final.

Former Gamecock standout A.J. Lawson transitions to a standard NBA deal with the Dallas Mavericks, poised to make an impact against the Boston Celtics. Discover his journey and potential as he aims to shine alongside NBA All-Stars in a pivotal matchup.
Former Gamecock star A.J. Lawson is holding the Western Conference trophy after a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves on May 30th, 2024.
Former Gamecock star A.J. Lawson is holding the Western Conference trophy after a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves on May 30th, 2024. / A.J. Lawson on IG

In an anticipated matchup, former Gamecock standout A.J. Lawson, now with the Dallas Mavericks, is poised to take on Jayson Tatum and the formidable Boston Celtics. While the spotlight often shines on NBA All-Stars Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving leading the Mavericks, Lawson's recent transition from a two-way contract to a standard NBA deal has not gone unnoticed.

Throughout the season, Lawson has proven his worth coming off the bench, providing crucial contributions on both ends of the court. Despite playing in 42 games, he managed to showcase his skills, posting career-high numbers of 17 points and 7 rebounds in a single game. Before securing his standard NBA contract, Lawson displayed his scoring prowess with the Texas Legends in the G League, averaging an impressive 20.7 points per game.

Jan 14, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Gary Payton II (00) attempts to steal the basketball during the second half against Dallas Mavericks forward AJ Lawson (9) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Gary Payton II (00) attempts to steal the basketball during the second half against Dallas Mavericks forward AJ Lawson (9) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports / Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

For the Mavericks, Lawson's development is a priority. While he currently plays a smaller role, the team has high hopes for his future growth and eventual emergence into a more significant position. As they strive to reclaim championship glory for Dallas, Lawson's contributions, both now and in the future, could prove pivotal.

As the Mavericks prepare to take on the Celtics, Lawson's presence adds depth to their roster and presents a dynamic challenge for their opponents. With his versatility and scoring ability, he has the potential to make a significant impact on the outcome of the game, showcasing his talent on a stage shared with some of the NBA's brightest stars.

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Fisher Brewer

FISHER BREWER

Fisher has been covering the Gamecocks for 5 years as a freelancer under the name of USCTalk, a popular page in the Carolina community that led to his first reporting job for Rivals.com. He left to go back to being a freelancer and then, a year later, joined the Sports Illustrated family in January 2023.