Kyle Lowry retires as a Raptors legend after 20 NBA seasons
The six-time All-Star and 2019 NBA champion announced his retirement Tuesday, with his No. 7 jersey set to be honoured at Scotiabank Arena.
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Kyle Lowry announced his retirement from the NBA on Tuesday after 20 seasons, cementing his legacy as the greatest player in Toronto Raptors history.
Lowry spent nine seasons with the Raptors, leading them to the 2019 NBA championship — the franchise's first. He made six All-Star selections as a Raptor and remains the team's all-time leader in assists, steals, and three-pointers. His No. 7 jersey will be raised at Scotiabank Arena.
When asked what Toronto means to him, Lowry highlighted the city's grit and work ethic. "It's just one of those places that shows its grit. It's not the warmest place, but you guys still get up and go to work every single day and get the job done," he said. He drew a parallel to his own hard-nosed playing style — "I played through anything. I did anything it took to win basketball games."
Lowry, 40, was drafted in 2006 and played for Memphis and Houston before arriving in Toronto in 2012. He said the moment he felt at home was during the 2013-14 playoffs against Brooklyn, when fans cheered him off the floor even after a loss. "I remember being cheered off the floor even though we just lost Game 1. It's a special place."
