Raptors Immortalize Kyle Lowry With Jersey Retirement

One of Toronto’s most favourite players in Toronto Raptors history is coming home.

Six-time NBA All-Star Kyle Lowry announced he will officially retire as a member of the Raptors, capping a remarkable 20-year NBA career that transformed both the franchise and basketball in Canada. The organization also confirmed that Lowry’s iconic No. 7 jersey will be retired this season and raised to the rafters at Scotiabank Arena, making him one of the franchise’s most honoured figures.

During the announcement, Raptors executives reflected on Lowry’s extraordinary impact, noting that while his statistics speak for themselves, his competitive spirit defined his legacy even more. Lowry leaves as the franchise’s all-time leader in assists, steals and three-pointers, but it was his relentless effort, willingness to sacrifice his body, and determination to win that earned him the admiration of fans across Canada.

The numbers illustrate the dramatic change he brought to the franchise. Before Lowry arrived in Toronto, the Raptors had never recorded a 50-win season and had won just one playoff series. During his tenure, the team posted five consecutive 50-win seasons, captured nine playoff series victories and reached the pinnacle by winning the 2019 NBA championship.

An emotional Lowry said retiring as a Toronto Raptor had always been his goal.

“I always said that I would retire a Toronto Raptor, and that was everything,” he said. “This place is home. Everything about the city of Toronto and the country of Canada has done special wonders for me, and I appreciate it.”

The North Philadelphia native said his connection with Toronto grew because of the city’s hardworking identity.

“I played hard. I worked hard. I did anything it took to win basketball games,” Lowry said. “Canada embraced that. You’re not just playing for Toronto, you’re playing for the entire country.”

Looking ahead to retirement, Lowry said he is most excited about spending time with his family after two decades in professional basketball.

“It’s time to go home and be a dad,” he said, adding that golf and watching his sons grow up will now take priority over the NBA schedule.

Lowry also expressed pride in the culture he helped establish in Toronto, saying the Raptors became “a true family” and that unselfishness, hard work and sacrifice were the values he hopes future generations of players will remember him for. His jersey retirement will serve as a lasting tribute to the player widely regarded as the greatest Raptor of all time.

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