The Raptors legend showed up repping the city, talked jersey retirement, and reminded fans he’s Toronto for life. (Courtesy: AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Former Raptors legend Kyle Lowry made it clear once again that Toronto still feels like home — and that he plans to end his career exactly where it all took off.
Even though he left the city more than five years ago and is now playing for his hometown Philadelphia 76ers, Lowry showed up to Scotiabank Arena on Sunday repping the 6ix in a big way. He arrived wearing an Auston Matthews Maple Leafs jersey, instantly winning over the Toronto crowd.
Lowry said the choice was about more than just being a Matthews fan — it was about showing love to the city that embraced him.
“I appreciate him, and I wanted to show support for the city,” Lowry told reporters in the locker room before the game.
Sunday and Monday’s back-to-back games against the Raptors could be Lowry’s final appearances in Toronto this season, but he made one thing very clear: this won’t be his last time in the city. Lowry reaffirmed his long-standing promise to sign a one-day contract and officially retire as a Toronto Raptor.
“My goal — and I’ve committed to this and I never go back on what I say — I will sign a one-day contract and retire as a Raptor,” he said. “That has not changed.”
Widely considered the greatest Raptor of all time, Lowry spent nine seasons with the team and helped lead Toronto to its first — and so far only — NBA championship in 2019. Because of that, many fans believe his No. 7 jersey deserves to be permanently retired.
When asked what it would mean to see his jersey hanging in the rafters, Lowry couldn’t help but crack a joke first.
“Y’all ever seen me cry?” he laughed. “It depends on how Matt [Devlin] does it. He might be the emcee. If he does — and when he does — it would be a super emotional day.”
So far, the Raptors have only retired one jersey in franchise history: Vince Carter’s No. 15, which was raised in November 2024.
“I put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into that [No. 7],” Lowry said. “The fact that it probably won’t ever be worn again would be pretty special. For my basketball legacy, that would be pretty darn cool.”
On the court, the Raptors capped off Sunday night with a thrilling 116–115 overtime win. The two teams will face off again Monday night at Scotiabank Arena.
