Mavericks Convert Lawson to Standard NBA Contract
Former CEBL guard becomes first player to sign standard NBA deal after CEBL stint

The Dallas Mavericks have converted the contract of former Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) guard, A.J. Lawson, from a two-way to a standard NBA contract, making him eligible to join the team for the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Lawson, who is one of the 14 players previously added to an NBA roster after playing in the CEBL, becomes the first to ink a standard contract in the league.
Lawson has played 28 games with the Mavericks this season, averaging 3.8 points while shooting 47.1% from the field in 8.3 minutes per game. The Brampton, Ontario native has also appeared in seven NBA G League games with the Texas Legends, averaging 20.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 33.7 minutes per game, while shooting 53% from the field.
The 6-foot-6 guard was named to the 2022 CEBL All-Canadian Team, playing 10 games for the Guelph Nighthawks (now the Calgary Surge) that season with an average of 16.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 30.5 minutes per game. He also shot .443 from the field and .328 from three-point distance.
The 2024 CEBL season tips off Tuesday, May 21 at 7 p.m. local / 9 p.m. ET when the Calgary Surge host provincial rival the Edmonton Stingers at Scotiabank Saddledome. Season tickets and flex packs are now available league wide with priority seating access and preferred pricing. Ticket information for all CEBL games can be found by visiting
cebl.ca/tickets.
About the CEBL
A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 73% of its 2023 rosters being Canadian. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. Fourteen players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August. More information about the CEBL is available at
CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.
