Lawson averaged 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and a 2.9 assists in 29 games played and was named to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) All-Freshman team.
He was named the SEC Freshman of the Week on November 19, 2018 after averaging 15.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists over a three-game stretch against Norfolk State, Providence and George Washington.
Following the season he initially entered his name into the 2019 NBA Draft, but decided to withdraw and return to South Carolina for his sophomore season.

Lawson was named to the preseason first team All-SEC and to the Jerry West Award watchlist going into his sophomore year.
He was also named the 41st-best collegiate basketball player going into the 2019–20 season by CBS Sports and the 29th-best prospect for the 2020 NBA draft by ESPN.
Lawson scored a career-high 28 points on November 15, 2019 in a 90–63 win against Cleveland State.
Lawson led the team during the season in total points with 416 and points per game at 13.4 while also averaging 3.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
Following the season he declared for the 2020 NBA draft but did not hire an agent.
Lawson decided to withdraw from the draft and return to South Carolina on July 29.
Lawson averaged 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and a 2.9 assists in 29 games played and was named to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) All-Freshman team. He was named the SEC Freshman of the Week on November 19, 2018 after averaging 15.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists over a three-game stretch against Norfolk State, Providence and George Washington. Following the season he initially entered his name into the 2019 NBA Draft, but decided to withdraw and return to South Carolina for his sophomore season.
Lawson was named to the preseason first team All-SEC and to the Jerry West Award watchlist going into his sophomore year. He was also named the 41st-best collegiate basketball player going into the 2019–20 season by CBS Sports and the 29th-best prospect for the 2020 NBA draft by ESPN. Lawson scored a career-high 28 points on November 15, 2019 in a 90–63 win against Cleveland State. Lawson led the team during the season in total points with 416 and points per game at 13.4 while also averaging 3.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Following the season he declared for the 2020 NBA draft but did not hire an agent. Lawson decided to withdraw from the draft and return to South Carolina on July 29.
A. J. Lawson