TORONTO (July 18, 2025) – AJ Lawson and Syla Swords have been named Players of the Week for July 7 - 13.

From the west side of the city, Brampton, Ont. native AJ Lawson is showcasing why he deserves a spot on an NBA roster through his consistent performances at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada. Averaging 20.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and shooting 57.1% from three in his first three games with the Toronto Raptors' Summer League roster, Lawson is helping lead his hometown team to the Summer League playoffs, as the Raptors currently sit 5th in the NBA Summer League standings. The Raptors are looking to make a deep playoff run starting Saturday, July 19th, with matchups still to be determined. AJ Lawson last represented Team Canada at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Qualifiers in 2021.

Syla Swords, a 19-year-old from Sudbury, Ont., is rapidly making a name for herself on the international basketball stage. Fresh off her Senior Team debut at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, she rejoined the Team in Santiago, Chile, where they won the bronze medal at the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup Tournament. In Chile, Swords averaged 9.6 points per game and sealed the third-place finish for Team Canada with a clutch game-winning basket in double overtime. Her standout performance earned her a spot on the All-Star First Team. Without missing a beat, Syla flew directly to Brno, Czechia to compete in the FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup. Currently undefeated in the group stage, she has emerged as an early MVP favourite, leading the team with 17.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Her unwavering commitment to representing her country reflects her exceptional work ethic, passion and dedication to the game.