- 09:30
An MVP in Korea, a machine in China, a bold gamble: Lebanon has found its new naturalized player. And he’s not here to just make up the numbers.
New face, new ambitions. At 27, Dedric Lawson — once a dominant force on Korean courts and a recent hero of the Chinese league — will now wear the colors of Lebanon. His naturalization was officially announced on the Lebanese Basketball Federation’s social media, revealing a major reinforcement, in every sense of the word.
A Long Resume
Best foreign player in the KBL (Korean Basketball League) in 2023–2024, the American forward (2.06 m, power forward) averaged 18.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks over three seasons in Korea. After breaking out with Orion, he confirmed his talent with Day One and then DB Promy, before moving to China to join the Xinjiang Flying Tigers. In the CBA, he didn’t slow down: 16.4 points, 10 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Efficient, versatile and clean (51% shooting, 38% from three on 4.4 attempts), Lawson ticks all the boxes of the modern power forward.
Lebanon Not a Backup Plan
Once targeted by South Korea for a potential naturalization, Lawson ultimately chose the Land of the Cedars. The Lebanese Federation made its decision: they were tired of the uncertainties surrounding Omari Spellman — often out of shape and not fully committed. Lawson, on the other hand, brings consistency, a winning mentality and the kind of physical sharpness that impresses. At 27, he’s a long-term investment.
A Major Asset for the 2025 Asia Cup
Lebanon is placing big hopes on the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, which will take place in Jeddah. In the group of death (Lebanon, South Korea, Australia, Qatar), every detail will count. With a solid core of Ali Haidar, Amir Saoud, Omar Jamaleddine and Sergio El-Darwich, the addition of Lawson could give birth to an explosive version of the “Lebanese-style small ball.”
His first reaction? Simple and promising: “Glad to be with you.”
The fans, however, are hoping for more than just a slogan. They’re dreaming of a leader in the paint, a warrior capable of going toe-to-toe with Asia’s best.
A Word on the Competition
Meanwhile, South Korea, currently without a naturalized player, is getting worried. The local press called it “very bad news”: facing a Lebanon boosted by a player of Lawson’s caliber could mean missing the quarterfinals. In a format where second place is crucial, the Lebanon–Korea clash could act as an early elimination match.
A New Direction
Lebanon is changing soldiers, not the mission: to excite the diaspora, challenge the giants and aim for a continental medal.
With Dedric Lawson in the paint, the ambitions are no longer unrealistic, they’re legitimate.
Comments