When it comes to the Toronto Raptors, one name that will indisputably go down in history is Kyle Lowry. The veteran point guard, who is currently playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, is widely anticipated to have his Raptors jersey retired in the near future. In a recent media scrum, Lowry gave a hilarious response when asked about this possibility, saying, “I don’t know if [my jersey] is gonna go up…Ya’ll ever see me cry? Did you say you think so? Hell no! If it does and when it does, it would be a super emotional day.”

Lowry’s Legacy with the Raptors

Lowry played nine seasons for the Raptors from 2012 to 2021, and during that time, he became the face of the franchise. He led the team in some of their most successful playoff runs, including their historic NBA championship victory in 2019.

During his tenure with the Raptors, Lowry scored 10,540 points in 601 games, ranking second in the franchise’s history only behind Demar DeRozan. He also holds the record for the most All-Star appearances by a player in Raptors’ history, with six to his name. His contributions to the team and his on-court performances have solidified his legacy, making his jersey retirement a topic of discussion among fans and analysts.

Lowry’s Emotional Response to Potential Jersey Retirement

Despite the humor in his response, Lowry also acknowledged the profound emotional significance that would accompany the retirement of his Raptors jersey. He said, “I put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into that [number] seven [jersey] and to know that it probably won’t ever be worn again would be pretty special.”

His comment reflects the deep connection he feels with the Raptors and the city of Toronto. It also underscores the respect he has for the franchise that helped shape his career and the fans who have supported him throughout his journey.

Waiting for the Official Announcement

Although Lowry is still an active NBA player, his 40th birthday in March signals the nearing end of his professional basketball career. As such, fans and analysts are eagerly waiting for the Raptors to officially announce the retirement of Lowry’s jersey. If and when it happens, it would be a fitting tribute to a player who has given so much to the franchise and the sport.

In the meantime, Lowry will continue to leave his mark on the NBA, further solidifying his legacy both as a player and as a vital part of the Raptors’ history.

“I put a lot of blood, sweat and tears in that [No.] 7.”

Kyle Lowry on what it would mean to have his jersey retired by the Raptors 🥹 pic.twitter.com/NMWWITU5ef

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 12, 2026

Lead photo by Petre Thomas/Imagn Images

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

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