After his brilliant individual performance in the 2011 NBA playoffs back in 2010-11 season where he averaged 15.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists, Ty Lawson probably didn’t dream that he would be playing in Europe a few months later.

However, the 23-year-old playmaker is currently preparing for the upcoming season in Europe with his new team Zalgiris Kaunas. Despite an NBA-out clause in his new contract that will send him back to the Nuggets once a new NBA deal is reached, Lawson is keeping his focus on his challenge of playing in Europe.

“We are practicing to get ready for the war,” Lawson told RealGM.

Moreover, Lawson will likely become a champion this year with Zalgiris, as he will fight for five different titles in five different competitions -- Lithuanian championship, Lithuanian cup, Baltic league, Euroleague and VTB league.

RealGM caught up with Lawson in Lithuania for a one-on-one interview to discuss his life overseas, new experiences, Zalgiris, the NBA and more.

ReaGM: First of all, when did you start thinking about going overseas?

Lawson: Probably right before the summer ended. I realized it would be good if I go overseas. I though it would be a good decision for me to go over here, see different type of game. Probably right after June 30, that’s when I decide it’s time for me to make a move.

RealGM: So you were thinking about that before the NBA lockout started?

Lawson: When the lockout started, I thought I’m not going to miss the whole year and I’m going to play somewhere else to play basketball. And I decided to come over.

RealGM: Why did you decide to sign with Zalgiris Kaunas?

Lawson: It was a good situation; Sonny [Weems] was also over here, therefore there would be a familiar face. Also, the team did well last season, they won the Lithuanian championship and they also play in the Euroleague. It’s the best basketball in Europe and it’s a good decision for me.

RealGM: Did you have other offers from Europe or other continents?

Lawson: I think I had an offer from Australia and I probably had some other offers coming, but I chose early. I wanted to know exactly where I was going and before everybody was choosing, I made the first pick.

RealGM: As you know, a lot of NBA players moved to China for the upcoming season. Why you made a decision to play in Europe?

Lawson: China didn’t have an NBA-out clause. If you go over there, you’ll have to stay there for the whole year. I’m still under contract with the Denver Nuggets and I had to have an NBA-out.

RealGM: What was the first reaction from your family when they found out you were going overseas?

Lawson: They were surprised, but they also support me in this decision. I made them sure I’ll called them on Skype, stay in contact. They 100 percent support me in this move. I had to show everybody where Lithuania is. I didn’t know about it before I came here. I heard about Lithuania before, but I didn’t know where it is.

RealGM: What were the things you heard about Lithuania before you came here?

Lawson: I heard about [Arvydas] Sabonis. I used to watch him play for Portland. I remember him playing for them and I heard that he’s president of this club. I’m probably going to meet him in the next couple of weeks. Also [Linas] Kleiza, he played for Denver Nuggets and he went to Montrose Christian School, which is in Maryland. I talked with him couple of times; he’s a familiar face.

RealGM: What were your first impressions of Zalgiris, Kaunas and Lithuania in general?

Lawson: It’s a cool city. There’s a good place, food is really good, especially Caesar salad. Everybody is friendly; a lot of people speak English. It’s easy for me to adapt with my situation. They speak English, the food is good and I’m having fun.

RealGM: Rasual Butler has already left Spain and went back home due to personal reasons. Have you thought like ‘OK, that’s enough, I want to go back home’?

Lawson: No, it hasn’t come to my mind yet. Maybe a little home sick, but other than that, I’m enjoying my time and having fun here in Lithuania.

RealGM: What are the main differences between preparing for the NBA season and preparing for the season in Europe?

Lawson: Probably the biggest difference I’m having is two-a-days. In Denver, we didn’t do that at all. This is getting me in shape, giving me more focus on basketball, which I do need. We are practicing to get ready for the war.

RealGM: Is there any fear that maybe even tomorrow the NBA lockout could end and you’ll have to go back to the States?

Lawsons: Yeah, that would be tough. Right now my 100 percent focus is on Zalgiris. Until that happens, I’m focusing on playing for Zalgiris for all year.

RealGM: What advice you would give for NBA players who are planning to move to Europe?

Lawson: Expect that European fans really want to see you play. A lot of fans said to me ‘I never see you play, I heard about you. Ten three-pointers’. Fans are just unbelievable. They love basketball and get ready for that. And also not everything is the same as in the United States. You need to adapt to different culture.

RealGM: Do you keep in touch with your teammates with the Denver Nuggets?

Lawson: Definitely, I have a Blackberry messenger so it’s free. I can text them the things I want to. I talk with them all the time.

RealGM: Do they plan to organize a training camp or group practices?

Lawson: They have a league out there and after the league they want to get everybody together for October to have a training camp.

RealGM: After your first month in Europe, would you consider an option to come back here in the future?

Lawson: Definitely, I like overseas and I wouldn’t mind coming back here and playing for couple of years. If NBA season wouldn’t start, I’ll still be playing here for a little bit longer.