Lawson is a fast bowler capable of bowling over 150 km/h. His accomplishments in his first few matches include the rare figures of 6/3 against Bangladesh in his third Test, a hat-trick against Australia in 2003/04, claiming the wickets of Brett Lee, Stuart MacGill and Justin Langer, and a haul of 7/78 against Australia which was important in the West Indian victory in the final Test of that series.
However, his action has been suspect: he was reported for an "illegal action" on 11 May 2003 by the International Cricket Council. After remedial work, he returned to Test cricket in mid-2004, but stress fractures and a further reporting of his action in July 2005 have stalled his career to date.
In the summer of 2007 he joined Great Harwood Cricket Club in the Ribblesdale League as their professional.
On 29 Feb 2008 it was announced that Lawson would be joining English side Leicestershire as a Kolpak player for the upcoming county season.